On your bike for Ben

bodyshop charity partner Ben has announced that, for its Industry Leader Challenge 2019, three automotive stars will attempt to raise upwards of £300,000 by taking on the 166-mile Epic Thames Waterbike Ride.

Jon Wakefield, Volvo Car UK’s managing director; Tim Tozer, CEO of Allianz Partners UK & Ireland and Darren Guiver, managing director of Group 1 Automotive will tackle the Thames route from source to sea on waterbikes.

The trio took on the baton for ILC 2019 from Andy Bruce, CEO of Lookers, whose 2018 challenge raised £215,755 for Ben.

The Epic Thames Waterbike Ride requires serious pedal power, as the trio will cycle 166 miles on self-propelled Schiller waterbikes in just four days, from 4-7 July this year. This challenge starts at Thames Head near Kemble, Gloucestershire and ends at the mouth of the North Sea.

Darren said, ‘I am honoured and privileged to have been asked to represent Ben in the ILC initiative – such a worthy cause doing amazing work for industry colleagues across the country. I only hope that after nearly 170 miles in the saddle I can still smile.’

Jon added, ‘The work Ben does to support those who need it across our hugely varied industry is invaluable, so I’m honoured to be joining Darren and Tim in the 2019 Industry Leader Challenge. Volvo is a company that cares about people, so while the prospect of riding a water bike for 166 miles fills me with no small amount of dread, the money we’ve challenged ourselves to raise will make the experience worthwhile.’

Tim continued, ‘This will be a demanding, fun and real physical challenge that I am thrilled to be involved with alongside my two industry colleagues. Supporting Ben is fantastic as it gives those working in our industry phenomenal support when it is needed most. We are determined to succeed in raising much needed funds to help Ben continue their vital, compassionate work.’

Matt Wigginton, business development director at Ben, said, ‘We’re beyond excited about this incredible challenge and we’re delighted that Jon Wakefield, Tim Tozer and Darren Guiver are fundraising for us in such an epic way. Cycling on water on one of the busiest rivers in England is certainly no mean feat.

‘We really appreciate the support from all at Volvo Car UK, Allianz Partners UK & Ireland, and Group 1 Automotive so far. We wish our 2019 industry leader trio the best of luck and we’re very much looking forward to following them on their journey upstream. Our services are funded entirely – and can only continue – through the generous support of the industry. Fundraising activities such as this are vital in ensuring that we can continue to provide life-changing support to industry colleagues.’

Donate to this epic challenge by visitingwww.justgiving.com/fundraising/benilc2019