PDA Foundation – Established FOR Drivers, BY Drivers

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

PDA founder and spokeswoman, Pat Nicholson said, “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.

The Foundation is pleased to have British motor ace Steve Parrish as patron. Winner of over a dozen British, European and World Motorcycle and Truck Racing Titles, Steve 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.”

Novadata, one of the country's leading providers of transport-related training, services and products, is also pleased to pledge its support for the Foundation. Managing Director, Derek Broomfield says, “Our mission has always been to bring together transport experts and unite them in a single purpose, to create thevery 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.”

For further information, contact Pat Nicholson on pat.nicholson@tiscali.co.uk or 07909 995615.

Andrew Gormanly,
4/2/55 - 10/01/09

This website is dedicated to the memory of Andy Gormanly. Before becoming a professional HGV driver, he had a distinguished military career in the RAMC. He served in Hong Kong, Northern Ireland, the Falkands and the the Gulf.

When he left the Army, he took like a duck to water to HGV driving. He was always ready to offer advice to new drivers, and he was a founder member of the Professional Drivers Association in 2002. He was splendid company, and never at a loss for words.

Tragically, he died following an accident at work, ten days after the Foundation was launched. We were able to offer his family support, and they very generously asked for all donations to his memory to go towards the Foundation's work in helping other drivers. Andy is very sadly missed, not only by his family, friends and colleagues, but by the wider community of professional drivers online.