BEN Charity Skydive Reaches Great Heights

When former BEN chief executive Geoffrey Atkinson OBE and his wife Tina leapt out of an aircraft at a height of 15,000 feet on October 17, they were aiming to raise £15,000 for the automotive and related industries’ charity. As it turns out, they should have commenced their skydive a thousand feet higher – as to date the pair have raised an impressive £16,000 for BEN.

“This may have been one of the most terrifying things I have ever done,” commented Geoffrey Atkinson. “However, it has all been worthwhile as we can now hand over a nice big cheque to BEN to help with the vital support they give our colleagues in the automotive industry. Over 200 individuals and associations contributed almost £13,000 and we are most grateful to the Fellowship of the Motor Industry who raised a further £3,000 at their Annual Lunch for this appeal. This terrific show of support just goes to show how important BEN is to the industries and we are immensely grateful to all involved.”

BEN’s director of Fundraising and Communications, Charles Davis, added: “I would like to congratulate Geoffrey and Tina on their bravery and for the huge amount they have raised for BEN. It takes a lot of courage to take part in such an event and we are all in awe!”

Further photos of the skydive and information about their fundraising activities can be found at http://www.justgiving.com/Tina-and-Geoffrey-Atkinson/.