The Blend’s garage community has once again shown its strength and solidarity, raising vital funds for Ben, the automotive industry charity, despite the postponement of this year’s Blend Charity Hike.

The challenge was due to take place today (Friday, 3rd October), with participants set to ascend Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) via the dramatic Pyg Track and descend along the picturesque Miners’ Path. But with Storm Amy bringing heavy rain, strong winds and thick fog, organisers made the difficult decision to postpone the mountain hike until spring 2026.

Rather than abandoning their efforts, garages across the UK and Ireland embraced the spirit of the event closer to home. Participants took on 10 to 15 km walks, hikes and runs in safe local conditions, sharing photos and routes that will be brought together in a special collage to showcase at The Blend conference later this month.

Alex and David Lindley, of Lindleys Autocentres, completed a gruelling 42 km trek between the company’s furthest two branches in a single day, while Mark Turner of K&M Citroën & Peugeot in Crowborough covered 19 miles through Eridge and up to Frant, climbing nearly 2,000 ft.

Mark dedicated his walk to the memory of Steve Tester of Sussex Four Wheel Drive, who tragically took his own life.

“Every step still counts,” he said. “Walking in Steve’s memory reminded me how important it is to raise awareness of Ben, the charity that is there for people in our trade when times are toughest.”

Elsewhere, Ian Brooks of TMD Friction summited Pendle Hill, Steve Chambers and Kyle Berry of The Mini Repair Shop tackled the Old Glossop and B-29 crash site circular, and Tim Benson of Oldfields Garage ran 10k in Herefordshire. A few determined individuals even braved the elements to tackle Snowdon itself.

“This event has always been about more than reaching the summit,” said Alex Lindley, Director at Garage Hive. “It’s about shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and raising money for a cause that really matters. We’re still united, still active, and we’re still fundraising for Ben.”

The Blend Social Hike will now return in spring 2026, when the community will once again gather to take on Snowdon together. In the meantime, fundraising continues in support of Ben, which provides vital help to automotive people and their families facing financial hardship, mental health challenges, or family crises.

So far, more than £2,600 has been raised, with organisers urging further donations to help the community reach its £5,000 target. Contributions can be made at: https://theblend.events/donate.

Produced by Autotech Communications.