The distributor of pipeline and heating solutions, BSS Industrial, hosted its second Car Rally in September to raise money for mental health charity, Mind.
Led by BSS’ Managing Director Angela Rushforth, the charity event with a superhero theme saw BSS colleagues, suppliers and customers travel across England and France and back for five days of fundraising fun in a bid to take home the much-coveted BSS Challenge Trophy.
The 40+ caped crusaders, in 18 cars supported by a crack squad of breakdown specialists and campsite caterers, set off on their critical mission from BSS’ head office in Leicester on Wednesday 11th September. Heading down to Dover and over to Calais on the ferry, they took on France’s long and winding country roads and mountain passes before arriving in true superhero style at St Tropez on the French Riviera.
The round trip totalled nearly 2,000 miles and while driving this distance in just five days was no mean feat in itself, restrictions had been added for the participants. The cars used had to be worth £1,500 or less and had to be given a superhero-themed make-over.
As well as sticking to a defined route, each team had to complete a variety of challenges, with penalty points given to those who failed in doing so.
Speaking after the event, Angela Rushforth said “Here at BSS we’re extremely passionate about supporting our chosen charity, Mind. Mental health needs to be taken seriously in the construction industry, and we are committed to working with Mind to help raise its profile and subsequently its ability to provide information and advice for those individuals who need it.
“We run a diverse programme of fundraising initiatives across our nationwide branches and in 2018 we raised over £250,000 in total.
“This year the fundraising efforts have continued at an incredible pace. We’ve had colleagues doing a relay between our branches in the London and South East, teams climbing Snowdon, a group of colleagues, customers and suppliers cycling from London to Paris and not to mention all of the bake sales and raffles which our branches organise on a regular basis.
“The BSS Superhero Rally took this to the next level. It was a hard and gruelling journey with long days and early starts. There were a few moments when we weren’t sure whether all of the cars would make it to St Tropez - the first breakdown was before we’d even left the UK! We managed to raise over £70,000 through this event alone so it was worth all of the effort.”
Emma Ihsan, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Mind, said: “We’re tremendously grateful to BSS for once again choosing Mind as their charity of the year and for their excellent fundraising efforts so far.
“The money raised at the BSS Rally will help to support our vital work including the Mind Infoline, information and advice services, and the campaigning we do to ensure everyone who has a mental health problem gets support and respect. ”
The event was also supported and sponsored by leading manufacturers, such as Wilo, Ideal, George Fischer, Pegler Yorkshire, Stelrad and Exco.
