News

Press Release - 11 July 2007

Chief Executive of the SMMT Joins BEN Rally BEN Trafalgar to Red Square Rally 14 July to 23 July 2007

Only a few days are now remaining before the first ever BEN Trafalgar to Red Square Rally commences. The Rally teams will all meet at the SMMT's headquarters, Forbes House, Halkin Street, London on Saturday 14 July at 2.30pm before their departure at 3.30pm. Chief Executive of the SMMT and President of BEN, Christopher Macgowan, will be joining the convey of vehicles in a Volkswagen California Motorhome which is being sponsored by The Caravan Club.

The eight day driving challenge links two famous squares, Trafalgar Square in London to Red Square in Moscow. The event starts, on Saturday 14 July, in the heart of London and crosses the channel over to the Hook of Holland where the journey continues through Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and finally into Russia to the finishing line of Red Square in Moscow.

BEN Events Manager, Kelly Neal, has spent months finalising the details of this new fundraising event which will raise much needed sponsorship income for the Charity. Miss Neal commented, "BEN is entering into the exciting and challenging world of car and motorcycle events. In-keeping with our heritage BEN is launching its very own rally, a 10-day event with 8 days of driving. Drivers and their co-pilots will form a team tackling over 3,000kms of open road, putting those driving skills to the test along the Autobahns in Germany to more minor roads in Poland. And, if this is not challenging enough, there will be treasure hunts, checkpoints and a host of other adventures along the way!."

The AA has kindly agreed to sponsor this event with road side recovery if needed.

Further Information:

BEN
Lorna Russell
Media Relations Officer
Tel: 01344 294765 / 07920 138187
Fax: 01344 622042
email: lorna.russell@ben.org.uk
Website: www.ben.org.uk

Editors' Notes

BEN is the Automotive Industry Charity, the only occupational charity for those who work or have worked in the automotive and related industries. Founded in 1905, the Charity provides practical help, support, advice and friendship to more than 15,000 men and women and their families every year. In addition BEN provides a home to over 350 individuals who reside in one of its four residential centres in the UK and offers day care facilities at its centre in Coventry.

Classic Tours developed the concept of charity challenges and has helped over 200 charities to raise in excess of £40 million since 1992. Through its work, Classic Tours has made a difference to the lives of over 30,000 participants and millions of people in need. Visit www.classictours.co.uk.