More than 120 staff from Leyland Trucks and sponsors are preparing to saddle up for its annual Factory to Festival charity cycling event on Saturday 15 June to raise funds for St Catherine’s Hospice.
Aptly titled after the range of DAF commercial vehicles that are manufactured by Leyland Trucks, this year’s challenging XF route will see elite riders cycle 115 miles of idyllic Lancashire countryside, complete with an arduous 8,000 ft climb.
The CF cycle ride comprises 80 miles through the beautiful Trough of Bowland, which involves an approximate 5,000 ft ascent, whilst novice riders and cycling enthusiasts, together with their families and friends, will take on the LF, which covers the Preston Guild Wheel.
All three routes begin at Leyland Trucks’ advanced manufacturing facility and end at Worden Park at around 4pm, to form part of the day’s Leyland Festival celebrations.
The annual fundraising event, which is organised by Leyland Trucks’ charity committee, Helping Hands, has already raised more than £12,000 through entrance fees and commercial shirt sponsorship, with its partners including Leyland Packaging, Goodyear, Lancashire DAF, Atlas Copco, Essential Industrial Services, South Ribble Borough Council and Maxion Wheels.
Matt Kersey, Chairman of the Helping Hand Committee at Leyland Trucks, explained: “We’re championing every one of our team members and are proud to have so many riders taking on this year’s Factory to Festival challenge, which will be a formidable feat as our biggest cycling event yet.”
“St Catherine’s Hospice has touched so many of our colleagues, whose family members, friends and even themselves, have at some point relied on their outstanding services during difficult times. All the money we raise will make a considerable difference in helping to futureproof their service provision, especially when a large majority of the Hospice’s running costs are funded solely by donations.”
“There will definitely be some healthy competition on the day from our riders, and we want to thank everyone’s huge generosity so far in helping us to raise a fantastic sum of £12,000 before the cycle ride has even taken place.”
“We’re fully committed to supporting a number of good causes and work hard to ensure that all the activities we do make a tangible difference to the local community. Cycling fever is sweeping the factory and it’s gearing up to be an exciting day of riding.”
