Families, friends, and colleagues across Lancashire came together this Father’s Day for the annual Leyland Trucks Truck Pull Challenge, raising £4,500 for St Catherine’s Hospice.
The event, held on Sunday 15 June, marked the official launch of Linking Leyland 2025 – Leyland Trucks’ flagship summer fundraising series, now in its tenth year.
Taking place outside Thrive Gym in Bamber Bridge, this year’s Truck Pull was made more special by the involvement of a local mum from Cottam, Preston.
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On Father’s day, Lizz Davidson channelled deep personal experience into community action following the passing of her 42-year-old husband Nick in March.
After receiving end-of-life care from St Catherine’s Hospice, Lizz vowed to honour Nick’s memory by supporting the cause that meant so much to her family.
She rallied strong support from family, friends and the wider school community, which includes her children Jack, Charlie and Jessica, aged between four and nine, by forming seven teams to take part in the challenge.
Lizz said: “With the Truck Pull taking place on Father’s Day, I can’t imagine a more meaningful way to honour Nick’s memory.
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“Following his stage-four diagnosis and a brave eight-week battle, St Catherine’s helped us create beautiful final memories – from organising a ‘date night’ to a special birthday tea for our son.
“Their kindness was extraordinary, and we’re proud to give something back to help other families in need.”
The challenge saw 30 teams compete in the test of strength and teamwork. Children’s teams pulled a 4.5 tonne DAF XB, while adult teams tackled an 8-tonne DAF XF, hauling the trucks 40 metres in the fastest time possible.
The event drew a strong crowd and competitive spirit, with the “4 Beards 1 Truck” team taking home the 2025 Adult Truck Pull title.
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Stuart Derbyshire, Linking Leyland event lead and vehicle finishing manager at Leyland Trucks, said “We’re in awe of Lizz and her family’s dedication to supporting St Catherine’s and the energy she’s brought to this year’s Truck Pull.
“Events like this show the power of community, and we’re proud to play our part in helping raise awareness and funds for causes that touch so many lives.
“It’s been a joy to see so many people pulling together – quite literally – to make a difference.”
The Truck Pull Challenge is the first in a series of Linking Leyland events taking place throughout the summer, all raising money for four chosen charity partners: St Catherine’s Hospice, Derian House, Tender Nursing Care, and Rainbow Hub.
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Here are the upcoming events between June and August 2025:
- 28 June – Cycling challenge featuring the 4 Climbs, a 60-mile Southport ride, and a 21-mile Guild Wheel route
- 6 July – 10K run through the scenic trails of Cuerden Valley Park
- 17 August – Superhero Walk from Leyland Trucks to Derian House
Since its inception, the Helping Hand charity run by Linking Leyland has raised more than £120,000, supporting local people through life challenges, from serious illness to bereavement.
For more information on how to donate, register, or follow the campaign’s progress, visit the Leyland Trucks Helping Hand Facebook page.
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