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Category: Charity
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Automotive industry charity, Ben, is proudly celebrating 120 years of support for automotive people and their families, as well as marking a new chapter in its future strategic direction.
For over a century, Ben has been a lifeline to thousands of people across the industry, offering support for life. In line with this significant milestone, the charity is entering the next phase of its strategic transformation, unveiling a new vision and senior leadership team to meet the growing health and wellbeing needs of automotive people.
The charity’s three main goals over the next five years are:
- To treble charitable impact – helping even more people
- To increase awareness about Ben from 1:6 to 1:3 for those working in the industry
- To double income through fundraising.
At the heart of Ben’s evolution is its new vision statement of the world the charity wishes to influence: An automotive family that thinks well, feels well, lives well, and works well.
As part of Ben’s renewed direction is a mission to:
- Provide health & wellbeing support for life for automotive people and their family dependents
- Partner with automotive employers to build a resilient and motivated workforce
- Champion and influence positive changes for the automotive industry and its people.
Back in 2023, Ben announced its decision to transfer its care and retirement village to suitable alternative operators and become a single-focused charity, supporting the growing health and wellbeing needs of automotive people. Since the launch of Ben’s previous strategic plan in 2018, demand for Ben’s health and wellbeing services has grown significantly. Ben’s insights suggest that the health and wellbeing needs of automotive industry people are vast and unmet; a key driver for Ben’s Board of Trustees to move in this strategic direction.
Rachel Clift, CEO at Ben, said: “Our 120th birthday has been a time to reflect on the incredible impact Ben has had over the years, as well as taking time to look ahead. We’re embracing the road ahead with ambition and purpose, launching a future vision that will empower our automotive family to live their best lives. This is about driving a new era of health and wellbeing across our industry, focusing on the growing health and wellbeing needs of those who work (or have worked) in the automotive industry and their families.
“We have committed to significantly scaling our health and wellbeing services over the next 5-10 years, enhancing our preventative support and continuing to provide responsive support. Our care and village services were an integral and valued part of Ben for over 70 years; however, our future now focuses on the health and wellbeing needs of our automotive family.
“As we look ahead, we will continue to work closely with employers, partners, and industry leaders to ensure the health and wellbeing of automotive workers remains a shared priority. We all have a responsibility to look after each other, our automotive family, so that we can create a strong, resilient industry ready for the future.”
Ben recently announced a new senior leadership team to support Ben’s new strategic direction, further strengthening the charity’s ability to deliver on its mission and support everyone in the automotive family, from the workshop floor to the boardroom. Find out more about Ben’s senior leadership team: www.ben.org.uk/SLT.
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Automotive industry charity, Ben, is revealing next year’s Industry Leader Challenge (ILC), which will see participants tackle the most chilling challenge yet: The Glacier in Iceland from 18th to 27th March 2026.
Taking place in the icy wilderness of Iceland’s Langjökull ice cap, this extreme expedition will see 24 of the automotive industry's boldest leaders ski-trekking through sub-zero temperatures, dramatic terrain, and battling isolation in the name of challenge and charity. Up to 12 teams of two will need to raise a minimum of £25,000 per team for Ben.
The Glacier continues ILC’s tradition of taking a group of senior leaders far beyond their comfort zones. The challenge lasts 10 days in total and challengers will spend eight of these on the ice cap, journeying together through one of the most remote environments on Earth. They will face:
- Up to nine hours of ski-trekking each day
- Ski-trekking to 1,450m above sea level
- Temperatures as low as -25°C overnight
- Zero contact with the outside world
- Seven nights of camping in the freezing wilderness.
Participants will wake up early each day to melt snow for water, haul gear across snowfields, face biting winds and navigate vast, shifting glaciers.
So far, teams from LKQ Euro Car Parts and Hella have signed up to take part and this will be the third ILC that Spencer Grinham, Sales Director at Hella, has taken on.
Matt Wigginton, Director of Growth & Development, said: "This may just be our most epic (and coolest) challenge yet! As with all ILC events, the main focus is on raising vital funds to support automotive industry people who are facing challenges that no-one should ever have to tackle alone.
“If you’re a leader in the automotive industry and you’ve ever been curious about what lies beyond your limits, this is your chance. The Glacier will be a challenge of endurance and personal growth, while raising money to support members of our automotive family who are struggling or in crisis. Now more than ever, automotive people need Ben – and we need you and your support. If you’re up for this once-in-a-lifetime challenge, then get in touch with me today!”
Register interest today
There are limited spaces available so, for more information about the event, or to register your interest, please contact Matt Wigginton: [email protected].
To date, the ILC has raised over £1.02million, and the impact continues to grow with every new expedition. The ILC is an epic personal challenge taken on each year by an automotive industry leader (or leaders) to fundraise for Ben. Previous ILC adventures have included swimming across the English Channel, skydiving, cycling down the Thames, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and trekking the Sahara Desert. The ILC requires extraordinary personal endeavour that tests the challenger(s) either mentally or physically - or both.
When any member of our automotive family is struggling or in crisis, we all rally to support them.
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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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