News 9 www.aftermarketonline.net JUNE 2025 Automotive remanufacturer Shaftec has launched a new community fund-raising challenge to mark its 30 years in business. Last year, the Birmingham-based firm set an ambitious target, to raise at least £6,600 for Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice in Coventry. Shaftec not only met that goal, but surpassed it to raise more than £11,000. Now, the company’s ‘30 for 30· challenge seeks to boost fund-raising to £30,000. Zoe’s Place provides essential assistance to infants and toddlers facing intricate health conditions or disabilities from birth until the age of five. Operating in Coventry, Liverpool and Middlesbrough, the children’s hospices are dedicated to offering respite, palliative, and endof-life care. Meanwhile, Shaftec has already started its activities for 2025. Three colleagues undertook a challenge to walk 10,000 steps every day during February, roughly equivalent to walking five miles a day. Other challenges that the team plan on undertaking include a tandem skydive and a Starley Sportive cycling event. The funds raised will directly benefit Zoe’s Place. Shaftec marketing manager Adrian Kitchen said: “It has been an extraordinary year of fundraising for Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice. However, we want to take this even further than we ever thought possible, as we aim to reach a monumental £30,000 to commemorate our 30th anniversary as a company.” Shaftec hands over its £11,343 donation to the Zoe’s Place team In a remarkable display of resilience and dedication, Rob Collison, chairman of the Independent Garage Association, has completed a gruelling Sahara Desert trek in support of the automotive industry charity, Ben. This extraordinary achievement comes in the wake of his personal battle with stage 4 cancer, a journey that has inspired many within and beyond the automotive community. A former Royal Navy submariner and diver, Rob was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and has since undergone treatment. Determined to give back, he joined Ben’s ‘Industry Leader Challenge’, a high-endurance trek across the Sahara held at the end of February, raising a staggering £34,500 for the charity. Ben, a dedicated support charity for people who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry, runs the challenge to bring leaders together and raise vital funds to support mental health, wellbeing, and crisis support services. Rob’s participation represents not only his deep commitment to the sector but also a powerful message of perseverance. “There is life after cancer,” said Rob. “This challenge was about proving that point to myself and to others and giving back to an industry that has given so much to me. Ben is a lifeline for many, and I’m proud to have contributed to its mission.” Stuart James, IGA chief executive, said: “Rob’s achievement is nothing short of inspirational. His strength, determination, and passion for supporting our industry reflect the very best qualities of leadership. We are proud to have him as chair of the IGA, and we applaud his incredible efforts to raise vital funds for Ben.” Visit https://ben.org.uk/ to find out more about Ben, its services and how you can support its activities. IGA chair’s Sahara trek after cancer treatment for automotive charity Ben Shaftec launches new fund-raising challenge to celebrate 30th anniversary
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