Charity truck show’s generous donation puts the wheels in motion for Jolly Josh

Months of careful planning by a group of kindhearted volunteers, has shown emphatically that ‘where there’s trucks, there’s brass’ for Rochdale based charity Jolly Josh.

A group of friends, have made the enormous donation of £30,000 to the Jolly Josh centre in Castleton, fueling their support for children and young adults living with complex medical needs, physical disabilities and PMLD (profound and multiple learning disabilities).

Masterminded by event lead Paula Lou Jones, and with the help of event sponsors Graham Poole Transport, P.G.C. Demolition, Mark Kendrew Transport, HTF Transport Kerf Developments, WDF Demolition, and Broadhurst Transport and the amazing energy of Girl Torque (an organization that promotes women in the haulage industry), this team of determined volunteers hosted a truck filled weekend to remember at The Great North West Swittas Truck Show at Haydock Park in July this year.

The two-day long event attracted visitors from all over the country, who came to see the gigantic truck-fest as it showcased vehicles of all ages, shapes, sizes and designs, displaying to the region trucking at its best. Making the weekend even more special, the event included a huge stage of entertainment, food from around the country and for the young, as well as the young at heart, a fairground.

The Great North West Swittas Truck show began in 2015 and has been a must in any transport fans annual calendar. After a two year break due to the pandemic, the GNWST team were determined to make this a comeback to remember.

Of the inspiration behind their generosity toward Jolly Josh, event organiser Paula Lou Jones said: “We chose Jolly Josh as one of the charities to support this year in memory of our friend, the late Pete Cordwell, or ‘Creamy’ as we all knew him. Pete was good friend to us all and was a huge supporter of Jolly Josh, he did all he could to help them. After Pete passed away, we wanted to take up where he had left off, supporting his favourite charity and community.

“Organsing this event is a labour of love and there have been a lot of sleepless nights, not just for me but for everyone who puts so much time and effort into it. But it has all been worth it, knowing what a huge impact this donation will have for the charity. Having had a tour of the Jolly Josh Centre, and seen its brand new hydrotherapy pool up and running, we were really moved by how it helps children and young people, as well as how it relieves the feelings of isolation experienced by their families. To know what we will play an important part in their lives and helping them to thrive, is really moving,” added Paula.

Moved to tears by the donation made by The Great North West Swittas Trucker drivers group, Jolly Josh founder and trustee, Carole Kelly said “We’re just overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of each and everyone who made the day possible and this phenomenal donation a reality for Jolly Josh. In our first full year of opening the Centre we will receive just 8% funding, for the other 92% of the £300,000 needed to run Jolly Josh, we will be relying on our community. So for this fabulous team to give so freely of their time and energies in an effort to support our families, leaves us feeling indescribably thankful.”

Of the group’s inspiration, the late Pete Cordwell, Carole said: “Taken too soon, Pete was a true Jolly Josh ambassador and a friend to so many. His friendship has meant so much and this donation is testament to the magical effect he had on his friends, family, and community. He has inspired the next generation of Jolly Josh fundraisers and the Great North West Swittas Truckers have taken up the mantle and done him and themselves proud”.

 

 

With plans already set in motion for their 2023 Great North West Swittas Truck Show, the team have already pledged to continue their support for Jolly Josh. Speaking about the plans for 2023 Paula said, “Since the first year of the truck show we have raised £123,363.98 for many deserving charities. This year we have been able to make donations to Jolly Josh, Andy’s Man Club and two local hospices, Bury and Willow Wood. The show is a great way to help others and at the same time put on a wonderful weekend to remember. We hope that next year will be bigger and better and would encourage everyone to join us for this amazing family friendly event, so we can continue to raise funds to help our communities. You can follow what we do on our website manchestertruckshow.co.uk”.

Jolly Josh, Ensor Mill, Queensway, Castleton, Rochdale OL11 2NU. 01706 399 141 hello@jollyjosh.co.uk www.jollyjosh.com

The Great North West Swittas Truck Show. Paula Lou Jones 07975 803782 paulalou@sky.com www.manchestertruckshow.co.uk