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Category: Charity
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Ben, the automotive industry charity, is asking for the automotive community to support a family who are set to be filmed on DIY SOS in July. Ben is appealing for volunteers and donations to help bring a family’s beloved 13‑year‑old son, Dan Flemen, home.
Dan, who was an active and sociable teenager, started experiencing flu-like symptoms in November 2022. His life was irrevocably changed when his symptoms worsened, he became dizzy and was rushed to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. There, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Following emergency surgery, he suffered a stroke and now faces severe disabilities - he is non-verbal, can’t sit unaided, needs night-time ventilation support and requires 24‑hour care.
Since his diagnosis on 6th November 2022, Dan has been unable to return home, remaining hospitalised for over two and a half years as his family struggles with the day-to-day reality of living apart. Dan’s mother, Julie, has been living in hospital accommodation to be by his side, while his father, Nigel, who works for APL vehicle services, and two sisters travel over 50 miles from Freckleton, Lancashire to be with them.
Dan was an active and sociable teenager, a Cub and Scout, school council member, church volunteer, sports enthusiast, palaeontology buff and Manchester City supporter. Though non-verbal, he responds to familiar faces with smiles, and recent small improvements in his condition have given renewed hope. Dan is known in his local area as a cheerful, sociable and ambitious teenager.
The family home is not currently wheelchair-friendly and doesn’t have the space to accommodate Dan’s complex needs. To bring Dan back home, they need:
- A private, accessible bedroom
- Adapted bathroom
- Facilities for full-time care
- Social space to reconnect with family and friends.
The renovation costs are far beyond the family's means. The family will appear on the BBC’s DIY SOS series, with filming scheduled in Freckleton, Lancashire, from 16th-23rd July. The show will contribute to the work. However, contributions and volunteers are still vital.
Get involved - help bring Dan home
- Volunteers and tradespeople
DIY SOS invites general volunteers for decorating, but also skilled electricians, plumbers, decorators, joiners, and suppliers of materials to support the team between 16th-23rd July. To offer support, contact: [email protected].
- Financial support
Every donation brings Dan closer to a home that meets his needs: https://www.gofundme.com/f/DanFlemen
Nigel Flemen, Dan’s dad, said: “Our little family has always been very close, and the thought that Dan may never be able to come home is something we can’t consider or think about, it’s too devastating. That’s why we are asking for help. Dan needs to come home, where he belongs, with all of his family. We feel this would aid his recovery, mental health and quality of life.
“We are reaching out for help because we believe in the power of community. With your support, we can transform our home into a place where Dan can be surrounded by the love and care he needs and deserves. Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to bringing Dan home. Thank you.”
When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.
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Ben is inviting everyone in the automotive industry to take part in Ben’s Big Breakfast in October, because a cuppa and a chat can change a life. 
Ben’s Big Breakfast is now in its fifth year and, last year, raised an incredible £25,000. This year, automotive industry people are invited to host their own breakfast anytime during the week of 6th to 12th October and encourage colleagues, customers, friends and family to bring, bake, or buy a spread and donate to support Ben’s vital work.
With 44% of automotive people struggling with anxiety, 33% experiencing depression, and 38% experiencing poor work-life balance[1], Ben's Big Breakfast offers a chance to catch up over a cuppa, take time out, and be there for each other. This popular food-fuelled event encourages Ben’s automotive family to bond over breakfast any day during the week of World Mental Health Day on 10th October.
So go on, grab a slice of the action. Sign up for free at www.ben.org.uk/bigbreakfast
By signing up, participants will receive a Ben’s Big Breakfast fundraising kit, packed with everything needed to make each event a success.
With more people turning to Ben for support than ever before, now is the time to get involved, get fundraising, and help make a life-changing difference to those who are struggling or in crisis.
Matt Wigginton, Director of Growth & Development at Ben, said: "Our Big Breakfast is a simple, fun way to raise funds and a perfect excuse to bring your team together. Breakfast really is the best meal of the day, and sharing it with others can spark meaningful conversations. A quick chat over a coffee could be exactly what someone needs. Right now, many people are suffering in silence, thinking they’ve got no-one to turn to. That’s why connection matters, for our mental health.
“By getting involved, you’re not just having fun, you’re giving back to the industry charity that supports our automotive family. Whether you're flipping pancakes, selling sausage sarnies, or laying out a pastry platter, every breakfast counts. Rally your team, encourage multiple sites to join in, and make it something special. It’s time to toast your team and get a taste of something truly meaningful."
When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.
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Robert Shaw, aged 64, is an engineer at Boeing who is participating in the fundraiser for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. He is joined by Boeing colleagues as part of “Team BRAVO”.
Born in Eastbourne, East Sussex, Robert was raised in a military family. His father saw active duty in the Army during World War Two, having joined the Territorial Army (TA) the day before war broke out. His father was immediately drafted into the regulars, where he helped protect London from air raids and V1 flying bombs.
While still in school, Robert was a semi-professional musician, but he eventually changed careers to become an engineer. In the 41 years since, Robert’s career has seen him work with all the Armed Forces, supporting them on-site, remotely and on active duty.
For years, when not at work, one of Robert’s great joys was taking to the road on a motorbike. But in 2009, a car accident left him tetraplegic, with limited mobility. Now, Robert has acquired a stable, Can-Am Sea-to-Sky 3-wheel bike which he uses for pleasure and to participate in charity fundraising for causes that are close to his heart.
It is on this bike that Robert will participate in SSAFA’s 13 Bridges Challenge, taking him from Trinity Square Gardens near Tower Hill and across some of London’s most iconic bridges.
Robert’s route has been modified slightly, and he will participate on the day as part of Boeing’s Reserves and Veterans Organisation (BRAVO) Team, comprised of Boeing staff who are all fundraising for SSAFA. Boeing has been a Corporate Partner of SSAFA since 2015. 
Commenting on the 13 Bridges Challenge, Robert said: “Coming from a military family, and having worked with Armed Forces personnel for much of my career, I know the difference that a bit of support can make. It’s important to me that service personnel can get help when they need it, and fundraising for SSAFA is a great way for me to fulfil that mission.”
Robert has already raised £360, and Boeing will match all donations. People can donate to his efforts here: SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity: 13 Bridges Challenge 2025
SSAFA has been working for the whole UK Armed Forces community for 140 years, since 1885. Its mission is simple: to reach and embrace the Armed Forces family, so they never battle alone.
The 13 Bridges Challenge is a 10-mile trek through central London that is open to people of all ages and abilities. 28 June 2025.
For more information, and to sign up, visit: https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us/events/trek/13-bridges-challenge-2025/
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Automotive industry charity, Ben, has launched this year’s annual health and wellbeing report revealing results from its most recent survey, which polled over 1,000 automotive workers. The top five health and wellbeing issues identified for automotive workers are stress (57%), poor sleep (52%), anxiety (44%), low mood (41%) and not taking time out (to rest or relax) (43%).
Almost all survey respondents were personally affected by a health & wellbeing issue during the previous year.​ Poor work-life balance has increased by 6%, to 38%, and this issue is most common for those working in showrooms, parts departments, and garages. Long hours, low staffing levels and high workloads are also growing concerns.
Mental health scores have got worse over the past 12 months and automotive workers cited they believe employers need to do more to support them, with 1 in 9 people personally affected by a lack of support for mental health in the workplace. The survey results continue to show that automotive workers are more likely to experience issues with work-life balance and mental health, compared to other UK workers. Furthermore, mental health issues remain the most prominent of the top 10 issues, affecting hundreds of people in the automotive industry.
The survey also revealed that almost 1 in 4 automotive workers are considering leaving the industry and, of these people, 1 in 2 are considering doing due to poor mental health.
Money worries remain a big problem for automotive workers with many still impacted by cost-of-living pressures. 1 in 6 people reported skipping meals, 1 in 5 have experienced issues with debt and 1 in 4 of those considering leaving the industry reported they had financial problems.
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- Ben Ball 2025 to take place on 10th December at new location - London Hilton on Park Lane
- Tickets on sale now and new, exclusive sponsorship opportunities available
- Raising funds to support automotive people who are struggling or in crisis
Ben is officially inviting its automotive family to book now for Ben Ball 2025 (proudly supported by AutoTrader) which is taking place at the luxury five-star London Hilton Park Lane on 10th December.
The exclusive black-tie event is returning to the heart of Mayfair with a fresh, new look and feel reflecting the iconic new venue and Ben’s future vision.
Set to be the automotive event of the year, Ben Ball will feature entertainment, dancing, a delicious three-course dinner, and endless opportunities for networking with over 600 automotive professionals.
Following the overwhelming success of Ben Ball 2024, which is always well-attended by hundreds of automotive industry leaders each year, Ben is encouraging the automotive community to act fast and secure their place on this not-to-be-missed evening.
Whether booking a table or securing an individual ticket, there are options to suit all budgets with prices starting at £399...
Book your place today! www.ben.org.uk/benball
Additionally, a range of table packages and new sponsorship opportunities are available, enabling companies to position their brand in front of influential automotive decision-makers.
Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income at Ben, said: “We’re very excited to open bookings for our exclusive automotive event of the year and we’re delighted to bring Ben Ball back to central London, in the prestigious London Hilton on Park Lane. We have so much to share this year, so you won’t want to miss this! We expect spaces to sell out quickly, so don’t miss out on an unforgettable night of celebration with your automotive family.
“We continue to support more people than ever who are struggling with money worries, which is affecting all areas of their lives. We rely on Ben Ball as it brings in vital donations to help change lives, and often save lives, in our automotive industry. The evening is also an opportunity to celebrate achievement and recognise those who have supported us during the year. We can’t wait to welcome you to Ben Ball’s new home this December for a night you won’t forget!”
Ian Plummer, Commercial Director at Auto Trader, said: "We're very proud to be sponsoring Ben Ball again for 2025. This is a unique event in our industry that raises essential funds for members of our automotive community who are struggling, as well as shining a spotlight on the incredible work Ben does every day. It’s inspiring to see our automotive family unite each year, contributing generously to support our dedicated charity. More people each year are turning to Ben for support, which means digging deeper to meet the rising demand. We’re looking forward to celebrating achievements and supporting our charity at Ben Ball 2025. We hope you’ll join us!"
To book your table or tickets now, or find out more about becoming a Ben Ball sponsor, click here.
When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.
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