TV stars Paddy McGuinness and Sam Thompson swapped the limelight for high-vis vests as they spent the day making deliveries
Paddy McGuinness and Sam Thompson swapped the spotlight for high-vis jackets as they embarked on an unexpected new venture – transporting goods in a cutting-edge electric lorry. However, as Sam accompanied seasoned driver Paddy on the route, he quickly realised there’s far more involved than he’d anticipated.
The TV personalities were enlisted to bring both entertainment and vital support to struggling families by operating one of the new electric HGVs in Amazon’s fleet, loaded with contributions for The Multibank charity. Paddy, who holds a valid HGV driving licence, took control of the electric vehicle, whilst Sam acted as his eager yet somewhat unqualified ‘Driver’s Mate’.
It’s a position Sam rapidly learnt involves minimal chit-chat and tea breaks, but considerable lifting and hauling. Paddy said: “I’ve driven plenty of electric vehicles, but this was my first time behind the wheel of an electric HGV.
“Making this special Amazon delivery to families who need The Multibank’s support this Christmas, while also doing our bit for the environment, was a no-brainer for me”
“Even if it meant surviving Sam’s rapping and bizarre snack combinations,” he added. “Love the lad to bits, but he’s going to need to up his Driver’s Mate game, for any future deliveries. The more deliveries we can make with vehicles like these, the better for everyone and the planet.”
Paddy and Sam transported essential items to The Brick Multibank in Wigan. The charitable programme, which Amazon launched in 2022, was established to support families and individuals experiencing poverty by redistributing excess products donated by companies to those who need them most.
So far, the six Multibank donation centres nationwide have distributed over 12 million essential items to more than 800,000 families.
Paddy and Sam’s expedition took place in an all-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 lorry, amongst the first vehicles from the UK’s largest-ever electric HGV order last month, representing a significant milestone in Amazon’s pledge to decarbonise its UK transport fleet.
Sam Thompson said: “When I got the call up from Amazon to be Paddy’s mate, I jumped at the idea. I thought we’d catch up, grab brunch, maybe belt out some karaoke. Being a ‘Driver’s Mate’ is a lot harder than it looks.
“Evie made it special, and Paddy – I love that guy, even if he can’t get his head around the god tier car snack of a Green Pepperami and a raw mushroom.
“Jokes aside, it’s brilliant to see the work Amazon is doing to make all our deliveries more sustainable.”
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