Air horns at the ready as truck convoy prepares for tenth anniversary

2025 will also be the third year that the convoy has supported East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA), a cause close to the hearts of the organisers. From what started as a small event with just a few lorry drivers, has grown to become a parade of over 200 lorries which has captured the hearts of the local Bedfordshire community, as committee member, Theresa Moore, explains.

“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 route snakes 17-miles from its starting point of the North Hertfordshire Showground through Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard. Crowds line the streets, often four and five deep, to cheer and wave the procession along the route, creating a magical atmosphere in the process.

“We’re always overwhelmed by the support, and there have been plenty of special moments over the last ten years,” Theresa continues. “In 2023, a child in the crowd was wearing a big birthday badge. The truckers played ‘Happy Birthday’ on their horns as they drove past him!”

The fleet of 200-strong trucks finishes at the town’s showground where the public can enjoy live music and plenty of fun activities like tombolas and raffles. When darkness falls, a two-minute silence is held, a bugler plays ‘The Last Post’ and a lighting up ceremony follows, with all the trucks sounding their horns and shining their lights.

“It’s so moving,” Theresa says.

Three years ago, the Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard Truck Convoy committee decided to add EAAA to the charities supported by the event. Theresa explains that she knows of several members of the trucker community who have been attended by an air ambulance.

“Truck drivers are often out all week, far from home and, if things go wrong, it can be the air ambulance who are called to help,” Theresa says.

She goes onto to explain that the air ambulance attended her late husband when he suffered a cardiac arrest when he was at the wheel of his lorry.

“The lorry was stationary at the time. Although a crew from the air ambulance was on the scene quickly, unfortunately he couldn’t be saved.”

Theresa also explains that an air ambulance attended Graham and Gina’s grandson when he suffered a significant leg injury, and her brother-in-law also benefitted from an air ambulance crew’s advanced skills, medication and equipment when he suffered from anaphylaxis following a wasp sting.

“So EAAA really is a charity that is close to us all,” Theresa says.

The convoy’s organisers and committee members – including Theresa’s husband Dave, Graham and Gina’s children, Clive, Jo, Mark, Craig and Mady, and Gina’s sister and brother-in-law, Gill and Clive – were recently recognised for their efforts at the Leighton Linslade Community Recognition Awards earlier this year. They were presented with seven awards in total, including Graham and Gina winning a special Platinum Award for the event’s fundraising.

With thoughts turning to this year’s tenth anniversary event, Theresa says the organisers continue to be grateful for the support they receive from the community, including sponsor, Brian Currie.

Theresa adds, “Everyone gives up their time to ensure the event runs smoothly. We really are one big family, and the event sponsorship means that every penny goes to the charities we are supporting.”

With over £21,500 raised in aid of EAAA so far, the Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard Truck Convoy has already funded five taskings for East Anglian Air Ambulance, helping crews to bring advanced critical care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to the most seriously ill and injured people in the region by air and road.

Thank you, Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard Truck Convoy for your continued support, and congratulations for your tenth anniversary event on 14 June 2025.