Ben turns up heat with Sahara trek challenge

A total of 11 automotive leaders are set to feel the heat next month in Ben’s Industry Leader Challenge Sahara Desert Trek.

The trek takes place from February 26 to March 5. Five teams will spend five days trekking across the Sahara in Morocco to raise a minimum of £20,000 per team for Ben.

Each day, they will spend around 10 hours trekking across unforgiving terrain, covering up to 27km in temperatures of 25-35°C with no shade except during meal stops.

Temperatures will be closer to zero overnight and the teams will camp under canvas, with only a jeep and a camel for company.

Ben’s director of partnerships, engagement and income Matt Wigginton, who is taking on the trek challenge with Ben’s chief executive officer Rachel Clift, said: “We can’t wait to tackle this extraordinary challenge together to raise funds so we can support members of our automotive family who are struggling, or in crisis.

“By following our journey, sharing this story with your networks and donating, you’ll help us make a real difference to people’s lives. Now more than ever, automotive people need Ben — and we need you and your support. We hope you’ll wish us luck and follow our intrepid journey!”

The industry leader challenge is taken on each year by automotive industry leaders to raise funds for Ben.

In addition to Wigginton and Clift, this year’s trek is being undertaken by the following teams:

• Stuart James, RMIF director; Kevin Flinn, RMIF chair and Rob Collison, IGA chair and Peter Whieldon, independent garage owner and photographer;
• Neil Grant, managing director and Spencer Grinham, sales director – Hella Limited;
• Melanie Lowe, European finance director and Chris O’Rourke, managing director – LKQ Euro Car Parts;
• Ian Leedham, European vice president compliance, legal and public affairs and Dave Brookfield, vice president human resources Europe – LKQ Euro Car Parts;
• Karen Jakes, group product manager, automotive and repair at Thatcham Research and Martyn Rowley, executive director at the National Body Repair Association.

Visit us online if you would like to donate to show your support. You can also follow the journey through Ben’s social media channels.