Garage Talk’s Ben Coates Completes 24-Hour Charity Radiothon in aid of BEN

Garage Talk’s Ben Coates has completed a gruelling 24-hour live radio broadcast in aid of automotive charity Ben, with fantastic support from the charity, guests, sponsors, suppliers and the entire Garage Talk team.

Starting at 8am on Thursday, Ben remained on air for 24 hours, completing the challenge at 8am on Friday in what was an emotional, exhausting and hugely entertaining day and night of broadcasting.

The purpose of the challenge was always clear - to raise as much money as possible for Ben and help support people across the automotive industry who may need help.

Ben said: “We did it! Twenty-four hours is a long time to stay awake and on air, but the support we received throughout has been absolutely incredible. There have been some brilliant moments, some complete madness and definitely some very tired moments, but knowing that the money raised will go towards helping automotive people made every minute worthwhile.”

Garage Talk would like to extend its thanks to Ben for its fantastic support throughout the event, and particularly to Ellen Plumer, the charity’s Head of Awareness and Experience, who stayed alongside the Garage Talk team throughout the 24 hours.

A huge thank you also goes to every single guest who came through the doors, joined the broadcast, took part in the challenge and helped keep the conversation going through the day and night.

There were also some very important contributions away from the microphones.

Ironmasters Bistro supplied breakfast on both days, ensuring the team was properly fuelled for the challenge, while Simply Brand provided lunch. Graeme and Alison Dickson supplied dinner, keeping everyone going as the hours passed.

Jane Wright from the Wright Consultancy supported us throughout the day, even providing us with copious amounts of snacks, and our tea and coffee for the event was provided by Tidy Tea.

Big Spuds supplied pyjamas for the overnight team, while Detailed Autos stepped in to clean Garage Talk’s EV and gave away a free valet!

However, while Garage Talk is incredibly grateful to everyone who played a part, the biggest thanks of all go to Vicky Coates.

Without Vicky’s organisation, planning and determination, the 24-hour radiothon simply would not have happened.

Ben added: “There is one person who deserves the biggest thank you of all, and that's Vicky. Without her organisation skills, planning and sheer determination, I don't think we'd have made it to the start line, never mind the finish line. She has worked incredibly hard behind the scenes to make this happen, and I can't thank her enough.”

The final amount raised will be announced once all donations have been confirmed, with the team confident that the money raised will make a genuine difference to people across the automotive industry.

For those who missed the broadcast, highlights and clips from the 24 hours will be available on the Garage Talk YouTube channel, showcasing some of the madness that took place throughout the challenge.

A dedicated highlights package will also be available on Mixcloud, while Ben, Vicky and the Garage Talk team will reflect on the experience during next week's regular Garage Talk Radio shows.

You can still donate at https://giving.ben.org.uk/cf/24-hour-radiothon-garage-talk-radio.

For now, however, after 24 hours on air, there is only one thing left for Ben Coates to do.

Go to bed.