James Rowe from Epsom has this week completed a 1,500 mile charity driving challenge across the Alps, raising over £1,500 to date for automotive industry charity Ben.

James joined colleagues from across TrustFord, the national dealer network, to participate in Bangers4Ben. The four day driving challenge saw 46 teams decorate their cars and drive to a secret location in Europe. This year marked the 10th Anniversary of the event, with a course that passed through Reims, Stuttgart and Bruges.

Colleagues applied from across the TrustFord dealer network, and four were selected to participate in teams of two. James was chosen to represent the TrustFord Epsom dealership alongside his teammate Emma Megaw from the Newtownards Road, Northern Ireland, dealership. They completed the challenge in a car donated by TrustFord, and have made a vital contribution to the total of over £1,500 raised by the company so far.

Stuart Foulds, Chairman and Chief Executive of TrustFord, said: “Ben is an important charity for anyone in the automotive industry, so we’re pleased to be able to take part in Bangers4Ben again this year.

“It’s great to see that our selected four had a great time with their colleagues as they completed the challenge, and are enjoying sharing their tales with many more!”

TrustFord has long supported Ben - an independent charity that partners with the automotive industry to provide support for life to its people and their families. Everyone who works, or has worked, in the automotive industry can access the charity’s confidential, free support services for themselves and their family dependents.

The vehicles will be auctioned off later this month to raise additional funds, and donations can still be made at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/james-rowe29.