Leyland Trucks hits top gear to raise almost £15,000 for local causes

Leyland Trucks’ Helping Hand charitable arm brought even more excitement to the competition-fuelled summer of 2024, with its annual Linking Leyland event series combining sporting challenges and family fun to raise much-needed funds for local charities. 

Through a series of events, comprising a truck pull, an 85, 60, and 25-mile cycle ride, a 10k and 1k run, and a duck race, Leyland Trucks colleagues, multiple co-sponsors, and the Lancashire community rallied together to raise an impressive £14,806.

These funds will support the essential work of St Catherine’s Hospice, Best Foot Forward for Georgie, North West Air Ambulance Charity, and Tender Nursing Care, all of which rely on community fundraising to continue providing critical services. 

Fourteen teams put their strength and teamwork to the test, competing to pull an eight-tonne DAF XB over the line in the fastest time. The high-energy event was made possible by the generous support of co-sponsors Lancashire DAF and Atlas Copco, with Thrive Personal Training Gym hosting the competition free of charge. 

Seventy cyclists tackled one of three routes, ranging from a challenging 85 miles with four gruelling climbs, to a family-friendly 25-mile ride around the Preston Guild Wheel, sponsored by Schneider Electric, Way, and MADE.

A 10k and 1k fun run around the scenic Cuerden Valley – backed by contributions from Goodyear and Expert Technologies Group – saw 190 runners and walkers take part.

Finally, a duck race, held as part of St Catherine’s Hospice’s Yellow Ribbon Day, saw rubber ducks racing down a local brook in a thrilling family-filled contest.

Phil Jones, director of operations at Leyland Trucks and chairman of Helping Hand, said: "We’re absolutely delighted with the success of this year’s Linking Leyland series, and the nearly £15,000 raised will go a long way in supporting the fantastic charities we’ve partnered with. These events wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering generosity of our sponsors and the incredible efforts of everyone who took part. Whether pulling trucks or cycling long distances, their dedication truly turns effort into impact.

“Linking Leyland is rooted in the spirit of giving back to our local community, and it’s always humbling to witness how people come together to support those in need. Every penny raised through these events will provide vital, life-changing services to the families, friends, and neighbours who rely on these charities.

“Helping Hand’s mission is all about connecting people, businesses, and communities to make a difference, and this year’s event series was a shining example of the power of collective action. It was a true display of community spirit, and I’m incredibly proud to be a part of it."

John Rullo, head of fundraising at St Catherine’s Hospice, added: “St Catherine’s cares for around 1,500 patients and families across Chorley, Preston, Leyland and South Ribble every year. Our specialised care is here to help people enjoy the best possible quality of life, to the end of life. We work with patients and their loved ones at the hospice and in their own homes to help them achieve what is important to them in the time they have. As such a prominent local employer, Leyland Trucks families are our families. They’ve been a huge supporter of ours for a very long time and it means so much to know we can rely on their kindness.”

Chris Andrews, corporate partnerships officer at North West Air Ambulance Charity, said: "We'd like to say a huge thank you to Leyland Trucks for raising money for our lifesaving charity! We are very grateful to everyone for their hard work during the multiple events they've hosted. Your support is so vital as we receive no government funding and are not part of the NHS."

Helping Hand is a non-profit organisation run by a committee of Leyland Trucks and PACCAR Parts employees. To-date, it has raised more than £100,000 to help local causes and disadvantaged employees.