This April, Ben, the automotive industry charity, is inviting individuals and teams from across the sector to go the distance for those who are struggling or in crisis.
Ben is calling on people across the automotive sector to step up, get active, and make every mile count with its new virtual challenge event, Miles that matter.
Miles that matter is a flexible running and walking challenge that encourages participants to set their own distance goal, and complete it between 20 – 24 April (or any time that month), while raising vital funds.
Whether it is a daily 5k, a weekend-long run, or a collective team target, every mile completed will help Ben continue its life-changing and life-saving work supporting automotive people.
Sign up and lace up
To find out more and sign up, visit: www.ben.org.uk/milesthatmatter
With cost-of-living pressures continuing to affect the health and wellbeing of people across the automotive industry, demand for Ben’s support remains high. Automotive workers are facing more complex issues than ever, including financial hardship, mental health challenges, relationship breakdowns, physical illness, and many other personal difficulties.
Funds raised through Miles That Matter will help Ben continue to provide practical support to automotive workers and their families across the UK.
Participants can sign up individually or as part of a team, making it a great opportunity for dealerships, workshops, suppliers, and other industry partners to come together, boost morale, and promote wellbeing within their organisations.
Miles that matter
Matt Wigginton, Director of Growth & Development at Ben, said: “Every mile really does matter for those in our industry who are struggling or in crisis. By taking part in this exciting new challenge, our automotive community can improve their own health and wellbeing and make a life-changing difference to colleagues facing tough times. We’re encouraging businesses and individuals across the sector to lace up this April and join us.”
Participants will receive fundraising support, resources, and ideas from Ben to help them hit their targets and maximise their impact.
Editor’s call to action
While championing the Miles that matter cause is one thing, Auto Repair Focus Editor Phil Curry has signed up to take part, and will be covering a half marathon distance across the five days in April.
“Having struggled with both mental and physical health at the end of 2025, I’ve been looking for a challenge that can help motivate my push back to fitness, while also helping others,’ Phil commented.
“Therefore, the Miles that matter challenge came at the right time. The work that Ben does with the automotive industry is so important, and the efforts they go to when supporting those in need is outstanding. What better way to motivate my own push back to fitness than to help a cause that will reach so many people.”
If you are unable to take part in the Miles that matter challenge, but want to donate to Phil’s efforts, you can do so here. You can also track Phil’s progress on the Auto Repair Focus social media channels.
Get involved with Ben
If April is not the right time to get involved, there are plenty of other opportunities to support Ben at challenge events up and down the country, including:
- Thames Bridges Trek
- Manchester Half Marathon
- Kiltwalk
- Great South Run
- Run Fest
From scenic city routes to iconic half marathons, there’s something for everyone looking to challenge themselves while supporting automotive colleagues in need. To explore all upcoming running events and find the perfect challenge for you, visit: www.ben.org.uk/challenges.
