Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard Truck Convoy marks 10 years of fundraising
The event will today be seeing up to 200 lorries linking the towns
The Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard Truck Convoy will today be celebrating its tenth anniversary, marking a decade of community-driven fundraising and support for important charities.
What began as a small initiative has grown into an annual event featuring more than 200 trucks, drawing thousands of spectators and raising significant funds for causes including the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA).
Theresa Moore, who helped organise the event, said: "Founders and organisers, Graham and Gina started the event in 2015 in honour of their son who was in the army, and to fundraise for charity.
"I became involved nine years ago when my brother-in-law invited me to attend. I was moved to tears by how many people came out to support it and, from that moment, I knew that I had to be involved."
The event begins at the North Hertfordshire Showground where trucks gather before setting off on a 17-mile route through Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard.
From the Showground begins a 17 mile journey.
The convoy finishes at the Leighton Buzzard Showground, where the celebrations continue.
The EAAA became one of the convoy’s chosen charities three years ago, a decision deeply rooted in personal experiences of those involved.
Theresa said: "The two charities that we support are the East Anglian Air Ambulance because they go out to our drivers when our drivers are in trouble.
"Most of them are what they call a tramper driver, which means they're away Monday to Friday from their families and if they get into trouble they're the ones that go out and save their lives."
Theresa shared that the air ambulance attended her late husband when he suffered a cardiac arrest while at the wheel of his stationary lorry.
Although a crew from the air ambulance was on the scene quickly, unfortunately he couldn’t be saved.
The air ambulance also brought assistance to Graham and Gina’s grandson after a serious leg injury, and to her brother-in-law, who suffered a severe allergic reaction.
"EAAA really is a charity that is close to us all," she added.
In addition to supporting EAAA, the convoy raises funds for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity supporting children of fallen and injured servicemen and women.
The event has not only raised awareness and funds but has also become a powerful emotional experience for many participants.
One of the most anticipated moments at the 2025 event will be a flyover by a Lancaster Bomber at 2:11 PM. “You'll hear it before you see it,” said Theresa.
Later in the evening, the convoy holds a solemn lighting ceremony in memory of fallen servicemen and women, including Lee Rigby.
An awards ceremony follows the next day, recognising achievements in categories such as “best lit-up truck,” “best working truck,” and more.
Despite challenges in 2024, when severe weather forced organisers to cancel part of the showground event, the convoy still managed to run the route and raise funds.
Organisers and those involved are hoping to raise significantly more money than last year, come rain or shine, to make significant contributions to the community.
So far, the convoy has raised over £21,500 for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, helping fund at least five missions to deliver critical care across the region.
You can find more detail on the fundraiser here.