Inspired by popular TV series 'Race Across the World', Ben’s epic new fundraising challenge has raised over £100,000 so far for the automotive industry charity to support those struggling or in crisis. This fundraising total includes offline donations and Ben is now calling for final donations.

Race Across Britain is raising vital funds for Ben to support people who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry and was proudly supported by LKQ Euro Car Parts. This fundraising activity is particularly crucial as Ben is supporting a record number of people due to the cost-of-living crisis.

From 26th to 28th February, 27 teams of two from LKQ Euro Car Parts; Alliance Automotive Group; Group 1 Automotive; Vendi Limited; ClickMechanic Ltd; Automotion Events Ltd/Lawgistics; eStar Truck and Van Ltd; Hella Ltd; Messe Frankfurt UK Ltd; Compact Car Centre Ltd; Walsall Wood Tyre & Service; Autotech Recruit Ltd; Rhino Group and GSF Car Parts Ltd showed incredible determination, ingenuity and resolve to complete this challenging event. They travelled from the starting point, LKQ Academy in Tamworth, to six different checkpoints including some major landmarks, Angel of the North, Blackpool North Pier and The London Eye.

Congratulations to the joint winners who finished first, from LKQ Euro Car Parts: ‘The Mavericks’, Tony Shearer and Andy Southby, and ‘Skint Sprint Squad’, Chris O’Rourke and Melanie Lowe.

There were strict rules such as no smart phones, no planes and no plans so participants were tested to the max, covering around 1,300 miles using only public transport or by walking, running and cycling. They also had a strict budget to cover food, travel and accommodation and checkpoints were kept secret until just before they needed to leave so they couldn’t plan or pre-book.

One team got an overnight bus from Blackpool to the London Eye and there were different tasks to complete including VR car spraying at LKQ Tamworth and finding Ben Bears hidden at LKQ Glasgow.

Donate & register interest
You can donate to show your support and register interest for potential future events.

Matt Wigginton, Director of Partnerships, Engagement & Income said: “We’ve been blown away by the success of this event and it was frenetic, exciting, challenging and so much fun! Our participants did incredibly well to complete the challenge and huge congratulations to our two winning teams from LKQ Euro Car Parts who made it to the finish line first, you’re amazing!

“The automotive industry loves some healthy competition, so this was a great way to get together and have fun while also supporting your dedicated industry charity. Fundraising events like this are particularly crucial during a time when Ben is supporting more people than ever due to the cost-of-living crisis.

“Thanks so much to everyone who has taken part and donated to the challenge - we’re now calling for final donations. Donating to Race Across Britain will make a positive difference to people's lives and help those who are struggling, or in crisis, so please donate whatever you can."

Kevan Wooden, Group Chief Executive Officer at LKQ UK and Ireland, said: “It’s been remarkable to see so many colleagues from across the industry come together like this. Both customers and competitors alike have had fun, but more importantly, raised crucial funds for the vital work Ben does. I couldn’t be prouder. See you next year!?”

Whenever any member of our automotive family is struggling, or in crisis, we all rally to support.