Ben has launched its active virtual challenge which has been designed for the whole industry and is called Breakout for Ben – road to £1 million.
The challenge follows on from Ben’s rallying cry last year asking industry leaders for urgent support, following a 50% increase in service demand against a £1m income shortfall. An incredible £530,000 has been pledged so far by automotive industry companies to help address Ben’s fundraising shortfall, however there is still some way to go to ensure Ben can be there for everyone who needs support.
Therefore, Breakout for Ben is the latest challenge to launch as part of the Do It 4 Ben fundraising programme, to help ensure no-one in automotive faces life’s toughest challenges alone. Originally an annual fundraising challenge for Ben by TrustFord, Breakout for Ben has now been opened up so the whole automotive industry can get involved and show their support, even during lockdown.
This year, Breakout for Ben will run from 5th – 14th February with socially-distanced teams of up to 10 covering 1,722 miles by exercising in their own way to fundraise for Ben. The event will see teams embark on a virtual journey visiting motor circuits across the UK, starting at Pembrey Circuit in north Wales and taking in all four home nations, before ending at Silverstone. Using an app, teams can track their progress together meaning they don’t need to be physically together with other team members during the challenge.
Breakout for Ben promises some healthy competition between automotive companies, as well as being a positive way to kickstart the New Year by focusing on health and fitness. There will be prizes awarded for the winners of various categories, including ‘Furthest in the first 24 hours’ and ‘Most raised’. Participants can choose to walk, run, cycle or exercise in any way they choose to progress along the route.
All funds raised through Breakout for Ben will support automotive industry people to look after their mental health, physical health and wellbeing. It means Ben will be there to help in a crisis or if someone needs help with stress, anxiety, depression, money worries, or anything else.
Matt Wigginton, Fundraising Director at Ben, said: “Thanks to the incredible support of our industry, we are now on the road to raising £1m to help people in our industry when they need it most. This said, we still urgently need your help as we’re not there yet.
“Twice as many people are turning to Ben for mental health support and we don’t want to be forced to make tough decisions about who we can and can’t support. Automotive people need us now more than ever, as this period of unprecedented challenges continues. The issues people are facing now are more urgent and complex than ever.
“This is why we’re launching Breakout for Ben – road to £1 million. It’s a fun virtual challenge that anyone and everyone can get involved in! It’s a great way to kickstart the New Year and start hitting those 2021 fitness goals. Let’s join together for one last push to hit £1m – your support really will make a huge difference! So get your trainers at the ready for February. We hope you’ll join us to help ensure no one in automotive has to face life’s toughest challenges alone. Thank you.”
