Eight hardy colleagues from JCT600 have once again donned their hiking boots in the name of charity, completing the 80-mile Dales Way to raise funds for automotive charity partner BEN.

Earlier this autumn, the team took on the challenge of walking from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, to Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria – a five-and-a-half day hike, requiring a total of 200,000 steps and burning an average of 17,000 calories.

The intrepid team comprised: 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.

The walk was part of the BEN’s Benathlon Challenge which encouraged automotive businesses to exercise for a whole month, and was also an opportunity to fundraise for the charity which supports anyone in need who has worked in the industry. The JCT600 team has succeeded in raising £8,500 for BEN so far and donations can still be made here

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.”

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.

JCT600 has grown from a single dealership into one of the largest privately owned businesses in Yorkshire. With over 50 dealerships from Yorkshire and the North East to Derbyshire and Lincolnshire, the group represents 23 of the world’s leading car marques and has a team of 2,300 colleagues.