COVID has taught us all that were stronger together. This has been brought home to me recently through the serious illness of one guys in prototype but I know that his ethos was to Get on with the job so today we launch our summer of charity events called Stronger Together.

During times of hardship, its important not to dismantle the efforts and values that run deep within the Leyland Trucks family and that couldnt ring truer than with Helping Hand and our charitable mission.

We were quite frankly overwhelmed by everyones support during last years fundraising efforts, #MilesBetterTogether, and despite lockdowns and social distancing restrictions, the Leyland family which includes you rallied together to raise a staggering £15,000 for worthy causes.

Whatever social restrictions may remain in place this summer, our social value agenda will never be placed on pause. Whilst we may not quite be ready for our usual Factory to Festival bike ride to take to the streets once again with the landscape concerning mass fundraising events still unclear we have decided to launch #StrongerTogether, which so aptly coincides with our 125th birthday milestone!

Unlike last years events, which ran over a fortnight, were extending this years fundraising mission to span 8 weeks, from 11th July to 31st August, allowing even more time to get involved and reach our fundraising target!

This year, well raise money for cancer charities, who like so many worthy causes, have seen a devastating drop in funding due to COVID-19. Cancer touches everyones lives, with the latest stats stating that 1 in 2 people born after 1960 will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime a daunting prospect!

It's no secret that the pandemic has impacted those most vulnerable, with COVID-19 causing delays in treatment which can be potentially devastating for those suffering from cancer. Everyone deserves to access the support they need when they need it, and the below charities assist those during times of significant hardship.

Every penny that we raise during our #StrongerTogether event will be donated to:

- St Catherines Hospice

- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

- Rosemere Cancer Foundation

- Macmillan Cancer Support

Just as last years event, were asking you to contribute miles via social media in our few weeks of fundraising as the Leyland Trucks team, together with their families and friends, once again lace up or saddle up to collectively cover as many miles as physically and inclusively! as possible.

The target this year is a very large but apt 12,500 miles which I know we can do.it in any means possible. From doggy walks, half marathons and golf challenges, to cycle routes that tackle some of Lancashires most notorious climbs and descents, our team of walkers, cyclists, golfers, runners, triathletes and more, will work to collectively turn their miles into money. Whilst there will be a fundraising event for everyone, for those looking for a bit more of a challenge, we have:

1. Truck Pull: Teams compete to pull an XF vehicle over a 125-foot course

2. 12.5KM running and walking event set in the Leyland area

3. 125 mile in a day cycling challenge around the lanes of North Lancashire

We understand that so many around us are suffering financial hardship, so we are asking are asking for a minimal registration fee for each event but as ever we encourage you all to raise as much sponsorship as you can. For the guys doing their own events there will be a £5 registration fee as last year. Over the comings weeks we will be letting you know how you can get involved please get behind this event and prove that we are indeed Stronger Together.