RAISING FUNDS FOR BEN

Former Chief Executive of BEN Geoffrey Atkinson OBE and his wife Tina will skydive 15,000 feet on 17 October to raise money for BEN, the UK’s automotive and related industries’ charity.

Tina, who, as Tina Steele, was formerly BEN’s Fundraising Director, says: “Our industries have been severely affected by the recession and this has caused BEN’s income to fall steeply while the number of people in need of help has increased. This is why we decided to take on the barmy challenge of a skydive – 15,000 feet for the 15,000 men, women and children helped by BEN each year.

“Geoffrey is terrified of heights but we felt that we had to raise not only money, but also awareness of the problems BEN is facing. We beg everybody in our industries to think of new ways to secure BEN’s future so that there is always somebody to help our colleagues when they face hardship.”

BEN’s Director of Fundraising and Communications, Charles Davis says; “We are very moved by Geoffrey and Tina’s brave gesture. At this difficult time we need our industry to rally around and help us continue to give the vital care and support to our colleagues in need. We wish this intrepid duo the very best with their skydive.”

You can support Geoffrey and Tina though JustGiving at

www.justgiving.com/Tina-and-Geoffrey-Atkinson/