25-mile Guild Wheel cycling challenge: meet the Leyland truckers raising money for St Catherine’s Hospice in Lostock Hall to honour colleagues who died of cancer

A group of Leyland truckers are swapping lorries for bikes for a Guild Wheel challenge honouring colleagues who died of cancer.
By Laura Longworth
Published 1st Jul 2022, 11:32 BST
Updated 1st Jul 2022, 12:01 BST
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Leyland Trucks’ charitable arm, Helping Hand, will host the event on Saturday in aid of St Catherine's Hospice in Lostock Hall.

Starting at 10-30am, it will challenge staff and their loved ones to cycle 25 miles around the Guild Wheel and will include truck displays, bouncy castles, and food/drink stalls in the hospice grounds. Registration is at 9-30am.

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Craig Attwood is riding the bike of his friend Chris, who died of cancer before his 40th birthday.

Leyland Trucks staff with their friends and family at a charity cycle held by non-profit Helping Hand.Leyland Trucks staff with their friends and family at a charity cycle held by non-profit Helping Hand.
Leyland Trucks staff with their friends and family at a charity cycle held by non-profit Helping Hand.

Craig said: “Chris was a larger-than-life character, but his life was taken from him when he was just 39, by Melanoma and Hodgkin Lymphoma. He was cared for at St Catherine’s Hospice and this will be the first time I’ve returned there since he passed away – so for me, this event is personal.

"I took part in the challenge last year, but this year’s event is even more poignant as I’m riding Chris’ bike and competing in his name to raise as much money as possible to honour him. Chris’ son, Anthony, works for Leyland Trucks, and so many people in the business have seen family members benefit from everything the hospice offers, so it goes without saying that every little helps. Working at Leyland Trucks, you truly witness the importance of charity, and in particular, the work St Catherine’s does in our wider community.

"I also want to stress the importance of good skincare and protecting your skin against the sun’s UV rays. Melanoma is one of the most invasive forms of skin cancer, but if caught early, it is highly curable, so whenever in doubt, get yourself checked by a healthcare professional.”

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Stuart Derbyshire, 56, a Helping Hand committee member, said: “We see ourselves as part of the Leyland community. St Catherine’s is an integral part of that. They’ve looked after a lot of our colleagues as they went through cancer, so we feel a close afinity to the hospice.

Leyland Trucks staff at a charity cycle held by non-profit Helping Hand.Leyland Trucks staff at a charity cycle held by non-profit Helping Hand.
Leyland Trucks staff at a charity cycle held by non-profit Helping Hand.

“They are a fabulous organisation. It’s a difficult time following Covid and with the cost of living crisis, so these guys need our help.”

To sign up, head to bit.ly/linkingleyland

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/.../helpinghandlinkingleyland2022

Related topics:St CatherineLeyland