Close Brothers Motor Finance has raised over £2,700 for automotive charity, BEN, by taking part in the 16th edition of the ‘Bangers4BEN’ rally.
The annual charity rally, organised by The British Motor Show, sees teams purchase a vehicle for under £750, give it a themed decoration, and drive thousands of miles across famous European locations over four days. Following the event, the vehicles are sold at auction with all proceeds going to BEN. Since its inception, Bangers4BEN has raised over half a million pounds for the charity.
This year, Close Brothers Motor Finance Business Development Manager Ian Doyle, and Data Protection Analyst Faymee Hammond participated in the event, raising money in their Lightning McQueen-inspired Vauxhall Astra - the year’s theme being ‘the movies’. Raising awareness for the charity, Ian and Faymee drove their banger to the rugged north coast of Scotland where they traversed the North Coast 500 with a convoy of other flick-inspired cars.
BEN was created to support those most in need within the automotive industry, and provides support-for-life services to employees within the industry and their families. The charity relies solely on donations. With generous donations from across the Close Brothers network, Close Brothers Motor Finance was able to (surpass) its target and raise £2,706 for BEN. This includes £708.50 which was raised by Close Brothers Motor Finance colleagues, and then matched by Close Brothers Group - bringing the Close Brothers colleague contribution to £1,417. These donations will play a crucial role in ensuring that BEN continues to provide support to people-in-need in the automotive industry.
Ian Doyle, Business Development Manager at Close Brothers Motor Finance, commented: “Taking part in Bangers4BEN this year was fantastic fun, and all the more enjoyable for being able to assist such a good cause.
The route through Scotland was spectacular, albeit challenging for our convoy of bangers. Across the trip, myself and Faymee had some wonderful experiences - including connecting with our fellow drivers - but the real reward was the considerable sum we managed to raise for Ben. Thanks go to our colleagues at Close Brothers Motor Finance for their support throughout the journey.
Faymee Hammond, Data Protection Analyst at Close Brothers Motor Finance, added: “BEN does incredible work for the motor industry, and it was a privilege to be able to take part in fundraising for such a special charity which touches the lives of so many of us.
“It was a brilliant experience - from transforming our Vauxhall Astra into a Lightning McQueen lookalike, to seeing the breathtaking landscapes of the north-west of Scotland. The total amount raised for BEN this year was exceptional and impossible without the support of the Close Brothers team.”
Further information about BEN can be found here: https://giving.ben.org.uk/profile
