The #LinkingLeyland charity initiative, organised by Leyland Trucks’ Helping Hand committee, culminated in an incredible display of muscle from 12 teams, all competing to heave an eight tonne DAF XG+ over a 125 ft course in the fastest time.

Teams from Revolution Running, Men’s Hub Preston, Thrive Gym, Nordic walkers WALX Preston, Amazon, Lancashire DAF, St Catherine’s Hospice, Macmillan and CrossFit Leyland took on the challenge, with a Leyland Trucks and PACCAR Parts quartet being crowned champions. The team of four hauled the supersized vehicle over the finish line in an awe-inspiring time of just 20.58 seconds.

Shane Christie, PACCAR Parts’ UK PDC manager and part of the winning team, commented: “The atmosphere was incredible. There were teams from local gyms taking part, so it definitely felt competitive. My little boy, wife and family were all in the crowd; it was really special.

“I’m so proud to have played a part in raising funds for causes that impact so many people locally. There are more than 1,000 people working in our business, and most of them will have been touched by St. Catherine’s in some way. Personally, I’ve seen them give incredible care to both my grandparents, as well as close friends and colleagues. It was a fantastic day that will make a big difference.”

Meanwhile, a further c.60 people of all abilities completed a 10k fun run. Gary Hill, manufacturing engineer at Leyland Trucks, finished the event in the fastest time and said: “I’ve taken part in a number of running-related fundraisers for Leyland Trucks. I always try to do my bit as Helping Hand does so much great work for local charities.

“There was a fantastic atmosphere on the day. It was an event for all abilities, some people like me ran, others enjoyed it with their family, others walked. Although it wasn’t an official race, it was still a proud moment to cross the line first.

“Leyland Trucks does so much for its staff members that we feel proud giving back and taking part in these organised events. It’s a fantastic company to work for and we really do get looked after. The day was very well organised, and I want to say a big shout out to the marshals who cheered us on throughout the course.”

The weekend’s events were supported by headline sponsor, Leyland Rotary, while the truck pull was sponsored by Amazon. They come hot on the heels of a 25-mile bike ride, sponsored by Lancashire DAF, which saw dozens of riders from age eight upwards cycle the Guild Wheel route.

More than £5,000 was raised over the course of the day, bringing the figure from the summer-long fundraising initiative to £14,000, all of which will be donated to St Catherine’s Hospice, Rosemere Cancer Foundation and Macmillan.

Stuart Derbyshire, Leyland Trucks prototype manager and #LinkingLeyland event lead, said: “The events of both the weekend and the whole summer show an incredible generosity of time and spirit from our community.

“In the UK, one in two people will get cancer, and with a workforce of more than 1,000 people, that’s a daunting statistic. This has been a phenomenal campaign and I want to say a special heartfelt thank you to Leyland Rotary, Amazon, Lancashire DAF and all our superb sponsors, plus everyone who took part and donated. We’ll be back next year!

Emma Jacovelli, head of community engagement at St Catherine’s Hospice, said: “We have a long-standing relationship with Leyland Trucks and we are immensely grateful for their ongoing commitment and support of our charity.

“The team always comes up with fun and creative ways to raise awareness and funds, bringing colleagues and the community together for worthy causes. The events throughout the summer have been brilliant and as always, we’ve been really proud and privileged to be involved.

“This generous donation will go directly towards the specialist care our charity provides to local families affected by life-shortening illnesses. I’d like to say a very heartfelt ‘thank you’ for everyone’s wonderful support; we look forward to working with you more in the future.”

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 £1million to help local causes and disadvantaged employees.

“The best part about working here is the support network that’s always around you. No matter which part of the business you’re working in, you know you have people to turn to for advice or for a helping hand if you need it.”

10km fun run



Guild wheel cycle