Next month, 11 of the automotive industry’s finest leaders will set foot in the unforgiving Sahara Desert, ready to face one of the most grueling tests of personal endurance. From February 26th to March 5th, these courageous individuals will embark on Ben’s Industry Leader Challenge (ILC), a ten-day trek across Morocco’s vast and challenging landscape, all to raise vital funds for those in need within the automotive community.
Meet the Teams Taking on the Sahara
The challenge will be split into five dynamic teams, each made up of industry professionals from across the automotive sector. Their shared goal: to raise a minimum of £20,000 per team to support Ben, the automotive charity that provides help and support for those in crisis within the industry.
The teams include:
- Team One: Stuart James, RMIF Director; Kevin Flinn, RMIF Chair; Rob Collison, IGA Chair; and Peter Whieldon, Independent Garage Owner and Photographer.
- Team Two: Neil Grant, Managing Director; and Spencer Grinham, Sales Director at Hella Limited.
- Team Three: Melanie Lowe, European Finance Director; and Chris O’Rourke, Managing Director at LKQ Euro Car Parts.
- Team Four: Ian Leedham, European Vice President Compliance, Legal & Public Affairs; and Dave Brookfield, Vice President Human Resources Europe at LKQ Euro Car Parts.
- Team Five: Karen Jakes, Group Product Manager, Automotive & Repair at Thatcham Research; and Martyn Rowley, Executive Director at the National Body Repair Association.
Additionally, Ben’s own Rachel Clift, Chief Executive Officer and Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income will also be taking on this extraordinary challenge, demonstrating their commitment to both the cause and their own personal limits.
A Grueling Challenge for a Worthy Cause
For five days, these leaders will trek up to 27 kilometers per day across the harsh desert terrain, enduring temperatures ranging from a blistering 25°C to 35°C in the day, with the freezing cold of the desert night plummeting closer to zero. The only respite they will find will be during meal breaks, where shade from the blazing sun offers a brief reprieve. Each night, the teams will camp under canvas with only a jeep and a camel to accompany them, testing their physical and mental resilience.
The Sahara Desert is unforgiving, with each step demanding unwavering endurance, grit, and determination. But the personal challenge these individuals are undertaking pales in comparison to the cause they are supporting. The funds raised will provide crucial support for people within the automotive sector who are struggling or facing crisis.
The Power of Community Support
Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, explained, “In just six weeks’ time, we’ll be turning up the heat on our industry leaders! We can’t wait to tackle this extraordinary challenge together to raise funds so we can support members of our automotive family who are struggling, or in crisis. By following our journey, sharing this story with your networks, and donating, you’ll help us make a real difference to people’s lives. Now more than ever, automotive people need Ben – and we need you and your support. We hope you’ll wish us luck and follow our intrepid journey!”
This is more than just a trek; it is a mission to bring the automotive industry together to support its own. When members of our automotive family are struggling, it is essential that we stand united to offer a helping hand.
How You Can Help
The challenge is set to be a life-changing experience for all involved, but the true impact will come from the collective support of the automotive community. To make a difference, consider donating to support the trekkers in their extraordinary endeavor. Every contribution counts and directly impacts the lives of those who rely on Ben’s services.
You can also follow the progress of the trek by joining Ben on social media. Track the journey, get updates, and share the story with your network to inspire others to support this noble cause.
- Facebook: /BenSupport4Auto
- Instagram: @bensupport4auto
- LinkedIn: /company/ben-automotive-industry-charity
An Epic Challenge for an Even Greater Cause
The ILC is a remarkable testament to the dedication and generosity of automotive industry leaders. It’s a challenge that not only pushes them physically but also reinforces the power of community within the industry. Through this personal endeavor, these leaders are ensuring that no one in their automotive family faces crisis alone.
As the trek approaches, the industry is rallying behind them, knowing that this is more than just an adventure across the Sahara. It’s an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Join the journey. Support the leaders. Help change lives.
Matt Wigginton’s call to action says it all: “Now more than ever, automotive people need Ben – and we need you and your support.”
