Author: Freya Hesketh

A Bowker BMW Car Sales Executive from Broughton is gearing up for a 100km trek across the Sahara Desert in Morocco in November 2025 to raise funds for CoppaFeel!, a breast cancer awareness charity.

Alison Prowse, who overcame stage 3 breast cancer after her diagnosis in 2020, is undertaking the challenge to mark the five-year anniversary of her diagnosis. The trek involves five days of walking through Morocco’s deserts, valleys, and gorges, culminating in camping under the stars with fellow participants.

Alison hopes to raise £3,000 for CoppaFeel! to support its mission of encouraging early detection of breast cancer in young people.

Alison said: “2020 was such a tough year for me, but I made it through thanks to so many people’s support. This trek is my way of giving back. With it coinciding with the five years since my diagnosis, it will also be an important milestone for me personally. I’ll be trekking across the desert and sleeping in the open. It will be tough. But I am determined to make it.”

The Sahara Desert trek challenges participants to cover 100km over five days, trekking up to eight hours daily in temperatures exceeding 30°C. The itinerary includes climbing Djebel Zereg (known for its distinctive reddish-black volcanic rock), traversing the Tikertouachene River, and camping in the heart of Morocco’s awe-inspiring desert landscapes.

CoppaFeel! is the UK’s only breast cancer awareness charity targeting young people. It educates 18 to 24-year-olds on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, empowering them to seek medical advice early. The charity highlights that early detection significantly improves treatment success rates and survival outcomes.

Alison added: “CoppaFeel! is a cause close to my heart because early detection saved my life. Every penny raised will help educate more young people and fund their vital work. It would mean the world if people could donate even the price of a coffee to help me reach my target.”

To donate to Alison’s campaign and support CoppaFeel!’s life-saving mission, visit her fundraising page here.

Bowker BMW and MINI in Blackburn have hosted a ‘Gifting Tree’ for the second consecutive year. 

The ‘Gifting Tree’ appeal supports The Wish Centre, a local refuge for women and children affected by domestic abuse.

Staff and customers at Bowker BMW and MINI gathered and donated gifts for residents of The Wish Centre, with a tree set up in the main reception area adorned with tags that contain age, gender, and size information for gift recipients. The initiative provides gifts for individuals who have faced hardship and are starting new lives away from difficult circumstances.

Chris Eccles, Bowker BMW and MINI managing director, said: “We received a lot of support for the Gifting Tree last year, so to enjoy this support again is great. We know this is a difficult time of year for families in the refuge, so we’re grateful for any gesture from customers and staff that can help brighten their holidays.”

The Wish Centre offers essential services for individuals affected by domestic abuse, including emergency accommodation, counselling, and advocacy. The Gifting Tree is part of Bowker’s commitment to supporting these efforts by making the festive season feel more hopeful for those affected.

Rebekah Wilson from The Wish Centre said: “Thank you so much to Bowker BMW and MINI. The Gifting Tree reminds residents that they aren’t alone. Simple gifts mean a lot to children and families who have left everything behind, and it really does make a difference knowing people care. We are grateful for all the support from businesses just like Bowker at this time of year.”

Bowker MINI dealerships in Blackburn and Preston hosted an exclusive launch event on Thursday, November 7, offering customers an early look at the new all-electric MINI Aceman.

The event, which ran from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, featured live music, a complimentary bar, and pizzas from Doughboys, alongside games and entertainment.

Attendees were among the first to explore the new MINI Aceman, a compact crossover with room for five passengers and enhanced luggage space.

Chris Eccles for Bowker MINI said: “The new all-electric MINI Aceman is a strong character with its young personality within the new MINI family. It’s the perfect everyday companion for those who value individuality in urban areas.”

The MINI Aceman marked the brand’s first crossover model in the premium small car segment, combining a modern all-electric drive with compact dimensions and a spacious interior.

With a maximum range of up to 252 miles, the vehicle was suited to both city and long-distance travel, aiming to meet the growing demand for locally emission-free mobility.

Chris added: “With its distinctive expression and compact design, the Aceman brought a fresh, youthful personality to the MINI line-up. It offered an innovative, immersive digital experience that was fun and intuitive for drivers.”

The event was hailed as a great success, with both the Blackburn and Preston showrooms enjoying strong attendance and positive feedback from attendees.

View the new MINI Aceman here.

A Lancashire motor dealership has renewed its sponsorship of a Preston youth football team’s kit in memory of a dearly missed colleague.

This season, the under-12s team at Springfields FC will wear new shirts, shorts and socks thanks to a renewed sponsorship by Bowker BMW in Preston.

Paul ‘Crowey’ Crowhurst, who passed away in 2021, was a long-serving employee at Bowker BMW and the Chairman of Springfields FC.

Paul had worked at Bowker BMW for over 15 years before his death and was known for his dedication to grassroots football, particularly at Springfields FC.

Jonathan Rogan, Head of Business at Bowker BMW in Preston, said: “Paul is still hugely missed here at Bowker. He was such a passionate member of staff, never more so than when it came to Springfields FC. He was a great coach and selfless Chairman. That’s why we’re proud to continue sponsoring the under-12s team in Paul’s memory. We wish them all the best for the season.”

Springfields’ under-12s play in the Central Lancashire League. Springfields FC is a community club in Preston that offers football coaching starting at age five. Teams compete from under 7s through to adults.

Danielle Gore, Secretary and Treasurer at Springfields FC, said: “Thank you to Bowker BMW for renewing their sponsorship of the under-12s kit. These are young players in the team that Crowey first coached. We’ve created a trophy in his name too.

“We want to always remember how much he gave to the club and continue to inspire more youngsters in his name – just like the hundreds of other players and parents who benefited from his hard work on the committee and as our Chairman.”

Last year, more than 20 Bowker Motor Group employees successfully completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in Crowey’s memory – a challenge he’d completed himself several years earlier. By completing the 24-mile, 5200-feet climb in around 12 hours, Bowker staff raised over £4,000 for St Catherine’s Hospice.

Bowker MINI employees have completed a volunteer day with the Ribble Rivers Trust, assisting in woodland maintenance at Blue Slate Farm, Samlesbury.

The project, located just off the M6 at Junction 31, involved staff from Bowker MINI’s Blackburn and Preston centres. Inspired by MINI UK Big Love campaign, the team carried out tasks such as inspecting tree health, removing competing plants from tree guards, straightening tree stakes, and marking trees needing replacement.

Chris Eccles, for Bowker MINI, said: “It was great to return to Blue Slate Farm, where we had planted trees a couple of years ago. Seeing how they’ve grown and being part of their continued care was really rewarding for us.”

This latest conservation effort follows Bowker MINI’s long-standing collaboration with the Ribble Rivers Trust, which has seen the business and its staff participate in a range of environmental projects. 

Jack Spees, CEO of the Ribble Rivers Trust, said: “The continued support from Bowker MINI is invaluable. Having their team back to help with woodland maintenance at Blue Slate Farm makes a real difference to the health of the woodland and the success of our long-term conservation efforts.”

Since partnering with the Ribble Rivers Trust, Bowker MINI has participated in several conservation projects to improve local environments. These have included tackling the invasive Himalayan Balsam at Haggs Wood in Burnley, a litter-picking event along Eaves Brook in Preston, and the recent woodland maintenance at Blue Slate Farm in Samlesbury.

Each project has involved Bowker MINI staff volunteering to support river health, biodiversity, and wildlife habitats as part of the MINI UK Big Love campaign, which promotes community engagement and environmental conservation across the country.

Bowker MINI’s involvement in these initiatives highlights their commitment to preserving local wildlife and improving the natural environment. The Ribble Rivers Trust encourages local volunteers to join their ongoing conservation efforts, with more information available at ribbletrust.org.uk/volunteer.