The latest Ben Industry Leaders Challenge has concluded with a team of 15 executives reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.
This year’s fundraising event, known as ‘ILC The Climb’, saw a mix of aftermarket, dealership, legal and media bosses take on one of the toughest challenges known, as they scaled Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain on Earth with a peak at 5,985 metres high.
The challengers trekked and climbed through five climate zones during their journey, ranging from rainforest to alpine desert and glacial Artic conditions. The Ben Industry Leaders Challenge ended with the team raising almost £200,000 for the automotive charity.
Joining Ben’s own leaders – Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income, Zara Ross, Chief Executive, and Rachel Clift, Health & Wellbeing Director on this once-in-a-lifetime challenge were:
- LKQ Euro Car Parts Andy Hamilton and Anthony McAteer
- Hella Neil Grant and Spencer Grinham
- Marshall Motor Group Adrian Wallington and Clive McGregor
- Haymarket Rachael Prasher and Jim Holder
- Partners& and Lawgistics Leon Bosch and Joel Combes
- JCT600 James Tordoff (representing his uncle, John Tordoff) and Andy Bateman
The fundraising total is still climbing – if you’d like to make a donation to celebrate this huge achievement, click here.All funds raised will help Ben support automotive people who are struggling or in crisis.
The physically and mentally challenging Ben Industry Leaders Challenge adventure was designed to fundraise £300,000 for Ben’s life-saving work in the automotive community, providing vital support to those facing life’s toughest challenges and who are struggling with their mental and physical health or wellbeing.
Life-saving funds raised through Ben Industry Leaders Challenge
Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “We are still buzzing from having reached the summit of the highest free-standing mountain in the world! It was an awe-inspiring, yet incredibly tough and emotional experience which we did to raise life-saving funds so we can continue to support our automotive community when they climb their own mountains in life.
“We cannot thank our industry leaders enough for taking part in this epic challenge. We are also incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated so far – thank you. The current fundraising total is impressive, however we still have further to go to reach the peak of £300,000, so we are now welcoming final donations.”
This ILC challenge was also inspired by Sarah Sillars OBE, who took on Mount Kilimanjaro over 10 years ago, raising an incredible £38,000 for Ben.
Ben is here for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry and their family dependents. If you would benefit from some support or if someone you know might need us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via our free and confidential helpline: 08081 311 333 or use our webchat at www.ben.org.uk. You can also access Ben’s out of hours text support line by texting BEN to 58258.
Ben recently launched its 2022 Health and Wellbeing Survey, and is urging as many as possible to take part. To find out more, click here.
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