Eight tonne truck pull set to drive Leyland manufacturer’s charity campaign

#LinkingLeyland, a 2022 charity initiative organised by Leyland Trucks’ Helping Hand committee, has brought together businesses and community groups to turn miles into money and generate funds for St Catherine’s Hospice, Rosemere Cancer Foundation and Macmillan.

The summer-long community fundraiser will see hundreds of participants run or walk 10km, whilst numerous other teams compete in a truck pull challenge and attempt to heave a DAF XG+ over a 125 ft course in the fastest time.

Already signed up for the upcoming 10k and truck pull are Revolution Running, Men’s Hub Preston, Thrive Gym, Nordic walkers WALX Preston, Amazon, Lancashire DAF, St Catherine’s Hospice, Macmillan and CrossFit Leyland.

The events, which are to be held on Sunday, August 28, and are supported by headline sponsor, Leyland Rotary, follow a 25-mile bike ride, which recently saw dozens of riders from age eight upwards cycle the Guild Wheel route in aid of charity.

As well as Leyland Rotary, other sponsors include Lancashire DAF, Schneider Electric, Made Profiles, Actinium, Heskin Fabrications, Carney, Thrive, and Preston College, who collectively have donated £8,000.

Stuart Derbyshire, Leyland Trucks prototype manager and #LinkingLeyland event lead, said: “We’ve made #LinkingLeyland happen through a real determination to give back to those local causes on our doorstep and I’ve been overwhelmed by the support from all those who have united to do good things. #LinkingLeyland encapsulates everything Helping Hand does best – connecting people, businesses and communities to benefit those in need.

“In the UK, one in two people will get cancer at some point in their lives, and with a workforce of more than 1,000 people, that’s a daunting statistic. Cancer charities have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic at every single level, not just in terms of fundraising, and I’m extremely proud to see everyone walk, run, cycle and pull, to ultimately turn distances into money.

“It’s a phenomenal campaign and I want to say a special heartfelt thank you to Leyland Rotary and all our superb sponsors, whose donations will make a real difference to those locally.”

Alison Evans, head coach for Revolution Running, said: “Helping Hand is an amazing local charity and this year’s 10k fun run and walk provides a great way for all the family to get together before enjoying the day’s celebrations.”

John Parker, Leyland Rotary president, said: “It’s inspiring to see Leyland Trucks connecting with the local community and creating stronger ties amongst so many diverse businesses and community groups.

“We’re extremely proud to be supporting #LinkingLeyland and wish everyone involved much success, and hopefully, some good weather in those events still to come.

“It’s heart-warming to see so many people coming together to raise funds which will help people’s toughest days become that little bit easier, and on behalf of all our members, I want to say a big thank you to everyone who is taking part and also those who have donated.”

Anyone wishing to donate to #LinkingLeyland can do so here: www.justgiving.com/campaign/helpinghandlinkingleyland2022

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 £1m to help local causes and disadvantaged employees.