Directors of AM100 dealer group JCT600 who hiked 80 miles along the Dales Way to raise funds for motor industry charity Ben are hoping to reach their £10,000 fundraising target.

At the time this report was published their arduous fundraising efforts have achieved 85% of the £10k target.

As part of Ben's Benathlon Challenge, the group hiked for more than five days from Ilkley, West Yorkshire to Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria.

On the hike were John Tordoff, chief executive; Nigel Shaw, financial director; Richard Hargraves, managing director; Tracey Newton, people director; Graham Thacker, operations director; Andy Bateman, customer experience director; James Parker, chief information officer; and Ben Creswick, managing director of the group’s vehicles leasing division, JCT600 VLS.

Richard Hargraves said: “BEN plays a vital role in the automotive industry, helping individuals from our sector when they need it most, and it’s vital that businesses like ours do all we can to support their work. 

“With many colleagues having previously taken part in fundraising activities, from hiking the Yorkshire Three Peaks to a 500-mile walking, running, cycling, swimming and rowing challenge to tour all of our 50-plus dealerships, we felt the rigours of the Dales Way should be added to the list. Passing through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, it is a truly spectacular walk – even in torrential rain! Thanks to everyone for their support in helping us raise £8,500 for this fantastic charity.”

Donations can be made to https://giving.ben.org.uk/pf/jct600dalesway

BEN is dedicated to supporting anyone who works or has worked in the UK automotive industry, plus their family dependents. As well as supporting individuals in crisis, for example, by providing free life coaching, the charity also works with companies in the sector, helping them to promote the health and wellbeing of their people.