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Leyland Trucks have raised almost £15,000 for local charities, including St Catherine’s Hospice and North West Air Ambulance.
Leyland Trucks’ Helping Hand charitable arm hosted the annual Linking Leyland event series that combined sporting challenges and family fun to raise much-needed funds.
Through a series of events, such as a truck pull, an 85, 60, and 25-mile cycle ride, a 10k and 1k run, and a duck race, Leyland Trucks colleagues, co-sponsors, and the community rallied together to raise £14,806.
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The money will help support 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 to provide their critical services.
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.”
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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, made possible by the support of co-sponsors Lancashire DAF and Atlas Copco, with Thrive Personal Training Gym hosting the competition free of charge.
Then, 70 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 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 family-filled contest.
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.
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