Industry Leader Challenge raises £273k for Ben charity

The Ben 2019 Industry Leader Challenge the Epic Thames Waterbike Ride, raised £273,360 for the industry charity.

The challenge involved Volvo Cars Sweden MD Jon Wakefield, Allianz Partners UK CEO Tim Tozer and ex-Group 1 MD Darren Guiver cycling 170 miles in four days down the River Thames on self-propelled water bikes.

The challenge baton for 2020 was handed over to senior industry leaders who will form a group of up to 10 teams from automotive businesses who have pledged to take part in Ben’s Industry Leader Challenge 2020: The Climb.

An industry leader and a colleague from each company will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in October next year, to raise money for Ben.

Fundraising will run from January to December 2020 with an ambitious group target to raise £500,000.

Three leaders from Ben will also be taking part in The Climb: Ben CEO Zara Ross and fund raising director Matt Wigginton and health and wellbeing director Rachel Clift.

The challenge announcement was made at the Ben Ball which itself raised £87,000 for the charity at the event.

“Ben Ball 2019 was absolutely extraordinary – a stand-out event. We would like to thank everyone who came along to the Roundhouse to be part of something truly special and inspiring.

“With your support, we’ve raised an incredible sum of money to help us continue providing life-changing support across the automotive industry.

“Thank you to everyone for your generous donations, we couldn’t do what we do without you.”