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Category: Charity
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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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- The BSA Gold Star ridden by Dave Myers in the final series of The Hairy Bikers has been auctioned and raised £15,800 for charity
- It went under the hammer at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull today (Wednesday 26th March)
- Proceeds from its sales will go to CancerCare North Lancashire & South Cumbria, NSPCC Childline and The Institute of Cancer Research
The motorcycle ridden by Hairy Biker Dave Myers in his final TV series has raised £15,800 for charity when it was auctioned yesterday (Wednesday 26th March).
The 2023 BSA Gold Star went under the hammer with H&H Classics at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull and the proceeds from its sale are being donated to CancerCare North Lancashire & South Cumbria, NSPCC Childline and The Institute of Cancer Research.
The motorcycle famously featured in the BBC’s “The Hairy Bikers Go West”, the last ever series made by the incredibly popular TV chef duo.
Dave fought a long battle against cancer but sadly died just over a year ago.
The auction of his beloved BSA Gold Star was a fitting tribute to his vibrant personality, together with his immense influence and love for motorcycling.
The Hairy Bikers series ran for two decades, making household names of Dave Myers and Si King. Millions watched them on TV, enjoying their warm and jovial personalities, as well as their passion for motorcycling and cooking.
Liliana Myers, Dave’s widow, said: “I’m delighted that Dave’s bike has found a new home and raised proceeds for three very worthy charities close to Dave’s heart. 
“It’s a special motorbike with some special memories and I hope the new owner will love riding it as much as Dave did, creating their own memories to treasure. Who knows, maybe that will even include riding it with us on Dave Day in June!”
James Hewing, National Motorcycle Museum director, said: “Dave spread so much joy, it was an absolute pleasure to be involved in the auction of his beloved BSA Gold Star.
“It’s a unique piece of motorcycling history which I’m sure it will continue to bring happiness wherever it goes.”
Colette McKay, managing director at H&H Classics, which conducted the auction, said: “H&H Classics was honoured to auction Dave’s motorcycle and raise some very worthy funds for charity.
“Dave’s popularity remains as strong as ever and, I’m sure, his motorbike has found a new home where it will be much loved by its new owner.”
Ashish Joshi, CEO at BSA, said: “Dave’s love for motorbikes and cooking, as well as his genuine kindness and friendly nature, is well-known.
“The auction was a fitting tribute to a wonderful person and we’re sure the new owner of his Gold Star will treasure it as much as Dave did.”​
About H&H Classics:
Established in 1993, H&H Classics is the longest continually trading auction house in the UK and Europe. With centuries of collective market expertise in the automotive and classic vehicle industry, H&H Classics prides itself on delivering the highest levels of commitment and service to its buyers and sellers, ensuring an experience which is easy and enjoyable.
Over the past 32 years, H&H Classics has achieved world record prices for classic motorcycles, cars, and competition cars such as a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB, 1968 Lotus 49B, 1996 Subaru Impreza WRC, as well as royal cars including Queen Elizabeth II’s Daimler, Prince Phillip’s Lagonda and Princess Anne’s Bentley.
To find out more about H&H Classics, upcoming auctions or for enquiries, please visit www.handh.co.uk
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This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, automotive industry charity, Ben, has launched a range of new support options and resources focused on neurodiversity, to meet growing demand and raise awareness about this important topic across the sector.
Neurodivergence is when a person’s brain processes, learns, and/or behaves differently from what is ‘typical’ and neurotypical describes how the average person’s brain works. From Ben’s latest insights, those in the automotive industry who have reported having neurodiverse conditions such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia are more likely to experience mental, physical, financial, and social issues. In 2024, 73% of neurodivergent individuals in the industry said they experienced feelings of anxiety, compared to 44% of neurotypical individuals. Neurodivergent individuals were also more likely to be stressed at home (57%), compared to 32% of neurotypical individuals.
Currently, almost 9% of people receiving support from Ben are affected by neurodiversity - either personally, or they are the partner, carer, or parent of someone who is neurodivergent.
In light of this, Ben has added two new support programmes to its digital therapeutic platform, Silvercloud, which is free for automotive workers and their family dependents who can sign up using the code: ben. The new programmes are:
Ben has also launched new neurodiversity-related online tips and advice to help those seeking support and diagnosis. The online content is at www.ben.org.uk/neurodiversity
The charity has also released a new article for employers, sharing thoughts from Julie Hayes, Ben’s Head of Specialist Services, about embracing neurodiversity in the workplace to help leaders and managers support their employees: click here.
Rachel Clift, Ben’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we’re pleased to launch a range of new support programmes, resources, and content on this hugely important topic. Our insights reveal that neurodivergent individuals in the automotive industry are facing greater challenges with their health and wellbeing, making it all the more important for us to provide easy access to relevant support for them and show them that we’re always here if and when they need us.
“As always, we remain dedicated to supporting everyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry. We believe that, by fully embracing neurodiversity across our sector, we can create a more inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive, both personally and professionally. Through this campaign, we aim to raise awareness and reduce stigma around neurodivergence, as well as encourage open conversations, greater understanding, and support.”
Ben will also share some resources from Neurodiversity Celebration Week on its available channels.
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