SERE Motors Supports Bangers4Ben Pyrenees Challenge

SERE Motors is proud to support Wendy Swaine and Pauline Thomson from cap hpi as they take on the Bangers4Ben 2026 Pyrenees Challenge, raising vital funds for Ben, the automotive industry charity.

From 2nd–6th October 2026, Wendy and Pauline will travel more than 2,000 miles from the UK to the Pyrenees, in a car worth less than £750.

And if taking a bargain banger thousands of miles wasn't challenging enough, they'll be doing it with plenty of 80s spirit, personality and, judging by their plans, a fair amount of glitter along the way.

What is Bangers4Ben?

Bangers4Ben is an annual charity car rally that brings the automotive industry together to raise money for Ben.

Teams take to the road in a car costing less than £750, give it a makeover and raise as much as possible along the way. For Bangers4Ben 2026, teams are being encouraged to embrace a Back to the 80s theme.

This year's challenge will see up to 45 cars head for the Pyrenees. Once the rally is complete, the fundraising continues, with the cars donated and sold at auction to raise even more for Ben.

Meet Wendy, Pauline, and Suzie Q

Wendy and Pauline have each spent more than 20 years working within the automotive industry. Now they're swapping the day job for life on the road to raise money for a charity dedicated to supporting people within the industry.

Their car for the Bangers4Ben adventure has been affectionately named Suzie Q, and the pair aren't exactly pretending the journey will be plain sailing.

Their tongue-in-cheek 'Car Passport' lists Suzie Q's weaknesses as “valleys, hills and basic mechanical expectations”, while its confidence of arrival comes with the admission: “We'll get there. The real question is whether Suzie Q arrives as a car, a legend, or a cautionary tale.” We're firmly hoping for option two.

Supporting Ben, the Automotive Industry Charity

Behind the fun of Bangers4Ben is an important cause.

Ben supports people who work, or have worked, in the automotive industry and their families, providing support with mental and physical health, financial wellbeing, and other challenges people may face.

As a local, family-run motor retailer serving Northern Ireland for over 30 years, it's a cause that's particularly close to home for us at SERE Motors.

When Wendy and Pauline got in touch about their Bangers4Ben challenge, we were delighted to support their fundraising through a Glitter Disco Ball sponsorship. The SERE Motors logo will be proudly displayed on Suzie Q as she makes her way to the Pyrenees.

Help Wendy and Pauline Raise Money for Ben

Wendy and Pauline have set a £2,000 fundraising target, with donations helping Ben continue its work supporting people and families across the automotive community. We'll be following their Bangers4Ben journey as they take on more than 2,000 miles to the Pyrenees, and we can't wait to see Suzie Q – complete with a little SERE Motors sparkle – hit the road.

From everyone at SERE Motors, good luck Wendy and Pauline – we'll be cheering you and Suzie Q on all the way to the Pyrenees!