Aftermarket adventurers fly the flag for Ben: Spirited team raise nearly £200,000 for charity
Date: Wednesday 14 December 2022
An audacious aftermarket team of adventurers has successfully taken on the challenge of a lifetime, climbing the highest free-standing mountain on earth, Mount Kilimanjaro, all in the name of automotive charity, Ben.
The team of valiant aftermarket leaders included: Matt Wigginton, Zara Ross and Rachel Clift from Ben; along with Rachael Prasher and Jim Holder from What Car?; Andy Bateman and James Tordoff from JCT600; Adrian Wallington and Clive McGregor from Marshalls; Spencer Grinham and Neil Grant from Hella; Andy Hamilton and Anthony McAteer from Euro Car Parts; Leon Bosch from Partners&; and Joel Combes, from Lawgistics.
The Ben Industry Leader Challenge (ILC) took more than two years of talking, planning and training, with the team initially facing minor setbacks and having to delay the trip because of the pandemic.
But on 21st November, the team finally set off through the jungle, reaching its first base, Machame Camp, at an elevation of 2,835 metres.
After seven days on Kilamanjaro, the team was able to enjoy the triumphant moment of reaching the summit just in time to witness a breath-taking sunrise.
The total money raised from the expedition is now almost at a staggering £200,000.
Joel Combes, managing director of Lawgistics, said:
“This was truly an experience I will never forget and an achievement I am extremely proud of. However, none of it would have been possible to endure or enjoy without the team. It was a real joy to share all the good and bad moments with a fantastic group of people. Each team member helped me believe I could go that little bit further than I imagined and made my dream of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro possible.
“And focussing on the reason we climbed this formidable mountain, we wanted, and still want, to raise awareness and money for the automotive industry charity, Ben. The charity carries out some fantastic work for members of the automotive industry and offers support in so many ways – we encourage the sector to get behind the charity and provide support in any way they can.
“And of course, a huge thank you to all of those who have already donated and to the many sponsors who have helped make this dream possible.”
There is still chance to donate to the worthy cause here.
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Membership of IAAF brings about some excellent networking opportunities and we work closely with the association to ensure the work it does is known throughout the supply chain
Steve Dunn
Exol Lubricants