The UK Professional Drivers Association (PDA) has established a charity specifically aimed at HGV drivers: the Professional Drivers Foundation (PDF).

Novadata has pledged its support by donating sufficient funds to enable the PDF reach the magical figure necessary to apply for full charitable status.  Patron of the PDF, British motor ace Steve Parrish will accept the cheque from Novadata's Derek Broomfield at this year's Commercial Vehicle Operator Show at the NEC, Birmingham, which will also witness the launch of the PDF's fundraising campaign.

PDA founder and spokeswoman, Pat Nicholson said: “What a wonderful gesture from our friends at Novadata. This will enable us to go foward and establish the Professional Drivers Foundation as the ONLY Charity specifically for vocational licence holders. A donation like this will help us to assist so many more lorry drivers in times of hardship and enable us to rehabilitate and retrain them into work again.

"The UK haulage industry is one of the UK’s largest employers, providing a vital livelihood for thousands of HGV drivers, many of whom are over 50 years of age.

“The Foundation was formed primarily for the welfare of lorry drivers.  It is not a well-paid industry, and entails long hours with many of the workforce being away 4 nights a week and sleeping in their vehicles."

Managing Director, Derek Broomfield said: “Our mission has always been to bring together transport experts and unite them in a single purpose, to create the very best results for our clients.  That is why we are so keen to see the Professional Drivers Foundation grow.

“We firmly believe that the Foundation holds a unique position in the transport industry; a position which, with enough support, can only become stronger.  We at Novadata want to help the Foundation move on to the next level.  Therefore launching the fundraising campaign at the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show will give it a good kick start.”

Winner of over a dozen British, European and World Motorcycle and Truck Racing Titles, Steve Parrish is delighted to bring his support to the Foundation.

“Having had a few accidents on the tracks over my racing career, it is good to see a charity specifically supporting lorry drivers, who we all know are the lifeline of this Country. I am very honoured to be associated with the Professional Drivers Foundation."

“Regrettably, numerous injuries are caused to drivers, not necessarily while driving, but when delivering.  The Professional Drivers Foundation feels there is a need to provide some help, both financial and advisory, to anyone holding a vocational driving licence and in need of support through no fault of their own.”

Note to editors:
Photo Opportunity: Novadata will be presenting PDA patron Steve Parrish with a cheque for £2,500 in the Media Centre at 12:30 on 14 April at the Commercial Vehicle Operator Show which runs from 13-15 April 2010.

Story By: Derek Broomfield

Web Link: novadata

Email Link: enquiries@novadata.co.uk

Date : 19-03-2010