Leyland Trucks take on 12.5km race for cancer charities

Joseph Monk was the first runner to finish the race

Leyland Trucks have joined local residents to complete a 12.5km race for the 2021 #StrongerTogether fundraiser.

Over 130 people attended the race, a circular route spanning more than 7.5 miles, which began and ended at the Leyland Trucks site. Contestants journeyed south from Farington Moss towards Leyland, travelling through Earnshaw Bridge and passing Midge Hall before venturing north towards Whitestake before returning to the start line.

Leyland Trucks’ Helping Hand charity team organised the event to help raise £20,000 for local cancer charities.

In the coming weeks, organisers will hold a 125 mile a day cycling challenge covering the lanes of North Lancashire. Doggy walks, half marathons, golf and cycling challenges will also be held, with participants looking to turn their miles into money.

Joseph Monk was the first runner to finish the race, completing it in under 50 minutes.

He said: “The race went well. We travelled around an enjoyable route, which allowed us to see the council’s investment into the Leyland Health community loop.

“I decided to get involved in this event as my mum’s running group, Revolution Running, support the Helping Hand charity regularly. We both took part last year, but because of COVID-19 restrictions, the turnout was quite low. This year, there’s been a real effort to get more people involved. There was a great turnout, which is fantastic news for our local charities.”

The funds raised during the #StrongerTogether event will be donated to St Catherine’s Hospice, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Rosemere Cancer Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Phil Jones, Chairman of Helping Hand, said: “It was amazing to see so many people from Leyland trucks, their family, friends and the local community out in force to support this great event.

“We’re proud of the work we do at Leyland Trucks to support our local community, and it is great that we can involve them in raising money for charities that are close to our hearts.

“I’d like to give a huge thank you to Revolution Running, Walx Preston, Leyland Rotary, the local Cubs and Scout groups, and of course the Helping Hand committee for bringing this together. It is great to see it supported by the employees, former employees, family and friends of everyone at Leyland.”

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