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.

Originally started by a family team in Dorset, Riderr is now available nationwide offering a wide range of accessories, allowing consumers an enhanced choice when it comes to garage essentials. 

The diverse product range includes: tool kits, handlebar chargers, heated grips, motorcycle covers, locks and paddock stands. There are also cleaning products and brush sets - and even a Bluetooth communicator. 

With its bold black and yellow branding, the Riderr brand is easy to find and stands out in dealers and, thanks to distribution from Nevis Marketing, the range can now be found in dealers across the UK and Ireland. 

The first ‘drop’ of 45 products is available in dealers now with the product range being expanded with more items added throughout the year. 

Chris Crutwell, Co-founder of Riderr, comments: “The whole team at Riderr feels strongly about increasing the choice for customers and encouraging them to visit their local dealers. We have a strong background in a brick-and-mortar retail store and want to help support the sense of community that they offer.

"Working with Nevis, we've grown our range for the national launch and have some great new additions coming later this year too. We want to grow our brand together to create something very special."

Managing Director of Nevis Marketing, Scott Empson adds: “Everyone at Nevis is thrilled to partner with Riderr, an exciting new brand in the motorcycle accessories market. 

“Over the past several months, we’ve worked closely with the Riderr team to develop their launch collection, and we share their determination and passion to make this brand a lasting success. Riderr brings a fresh dimension to the Nevis portfolio, offering our dealers greater diversity, innovation, and enhanced choice for consumers.”

To see the full product range, visit www.nevis.uk.com.

ALEX MARQUEZ #73
“Today the pace at the front was very similar, but Marc was stronger in the last chicane and in the first corner, which didn’t allow me to get close enough to have a shot. The third sector, where I was stronger, wasn’t the ideal part of the track for overtaking so we must ‘settle’ with this podium. I’m 90% satisfied, tomorrow we’ll try again with a special focus on the start.”
 
FERMIN ALDEGUER #54
“Today was a long and intense day. I had a good feeling this morning and was fast with used tyres. We ended up in Q1 almost by mistake, as I got stuck in traffic during my time attack. The sprint went quite well, but we’re losing too much in the opening laps. We need to understand how to improve in this area, especially with regards to the sprint.”

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.