FEATURE
1904 Panhard et Levassor .
YOU CAN CHANGE LIVES BY SUPPORTING BEN
As well as honouring the 125th anniversary of the very first Emancipation Run of 1896 , this year ’ s milestone RM Sotheby ’ s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run is also raising awareness and funds for Ben , the charity dedicated to supporting the people of the automotive industry .
Like the Run the charity , too , can trace its history right back to the dawn of motoring – it was founded in 1905 by A . J . Wilson while he was working for Dunlop tyres and originally called the Cycle Trades Benevolent Fund . Recognising the unstoppable rise of the car , the word ‘ Motor ’ was added the fund ’ s name in 1908 and by 1924 it had become The Motor and Cycle Trades Benevolent Fund .
“ When any member of our automotive family is struggling , we all rally to support them and that is something we can all be proud of .”
Over the years various other associated benevolent funds have been amalgamated into Ben including those of coachbuilders and agricultural engineering and its allied trades , and today the charity offers lifechanging support to the 800,000 people who work in the UK automotive sector and their families .
As the Official Charity Partner to the world ’ s longest running motoring event , Ben is organising fundraising points at pubs along the hallowed route from London to Brighton and further opportunities are also available for both the public and participants to make muchneeded donations … so keep your eyes peeled !
“ We are thrilled to have been nominated Official Charity Partner for this prestigious event ,” said Matt Wigginton , Director of Partnerships , Engagement and Income at Ben . “ Our organisations have shared a passion for all things automotive for well over a century , and this event will help us raise awareness and vital funds to ensure no-one in automotive faces life ’ s toughest challenges alone . When any member of our automotive family is struggling , we all rally to support them and that is something we can all be proud of .”
As the organiser of the event , the Royal Automobile Club is delighted to be welcoming Ben to the RM Sotheby ’ s Veteran Car Run in such a significant year .
“ Both the London to Brighton Run and Ben have proud histories stretching right back to the advent of the motor car ,” said Jeremy Vaughan the Club ’ s Head of Motoring . “ The Veteran Car Run celebrates the freedom that self-propelled vehicles have given society , while Ben provides invaluable assistance to those past and present who work within the automotive industries . We are excited to be working with Ben and raising funds for the charity ”.
For more information visit : ben . org . uk . -
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The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run