This year’s Industry Leader Challenge (ILC), organized by the automotive industry charity Ben, promises to be a thrilling adventure as it calls on senior leaders to conquer the Sahara Desert. Scheduled for November, the challenge will feature up to 10 teams, each composed of two individuals, who will endure a grueling five-day trek across the expansive sands of Morocco’s Sahara Desert. Each team aims to raise at least £20,000 to support Ben’s charitable initiatives.
Participants will navigate through some of the most demanding conditions imaginable, walking up to 10 hours daily and covering distances of up to 27 kilometers. The desert’s daytime temperatures soar between 25-35°C, plummeting to near freezing at night, with meal stops and overnight camps offering the only respite from the harsh environment.
The challenge is not without its rewards, as participants will experience the stark beauty of the Sahara, camping under traditional canvas tents accompanied by just their team members, a supporting jeep, and a camel. Past ILC events have seen leaders take on various daring activities, from swimming the English Channel to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Notable participants this year include Stuart James from the Retail Motor Industry Federation, Rob Collison from the Independent Garage Association, and Kevin Finn, who holds chairs at both the RMIF and IMI. Matt Wigginton, Ben’s Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income, highlighted the dual benefit of the challenge: achieving personal milestones while aiding colleagues in the automotive sector facing adversity.
With only limited spaces available, those interested in taking on this formidable challenge are encouraged to reach out promptly. This event not only offers a unique personal challenge but also a chance to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals within the automotive community. For more details or to register, contact Matt Wigginton at [email protected].
This annual event exemplifies the strength and solidarity of the automotive community, as each participant’s effort contributes directly to supporting their colleagues in times of need.
