Staff from Swansea Bay University Health Board swapped scrubs for strength at this year’s Swansea Truck Pull – all in support of Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Going the Extra Mile for Cancer appeal.

The event, held on 7^th September 2025 at A.T. Morgan & Son saw 17 teams of four competing to pull a haulage truck over the finish line in the fastest time, all in the name of charity. The participants have raised an incredible £4,618 so far, which will go towards the appeal’s £200,000 target to fund the development of a new outpatients department within the former chemotherapy unit at Singleton Hospital.

Currently, the space feels too clinical, and the aim is to transform it into a warm, welcoming environment that enhances the patient experience. The refurbished department will bring consultant, nurse, pharmacy, and therapies appointments together in one place, making cancer care more accessible and coordinated.

Among the participants was a four-strong team from the Paediatrics Ward, who raised £545 – more than double the target – despite entering as a last-minute entry. Staff nurse Lian Guinto, who signed up the team during a night shift, said:

“I thought it would be a nice challenge to do with staff and it was for a great cause. Once we signed up, we put it on all our socials and went around all the paediatrics ward telling them about it. None of them thought we could pull it but they donated anyway!”

The team – made up of Lian Guinto, Phoebe White, Leah Brown, and Peter Gardener – faced tough conditions on the day. Torrential rain and the sheer weight of the truck made the challenge more daunting than expected, but the group dug deep and crossed the line together.

One standout moment came when teammate Phoebe slipped mid-pull, bouncing straight back up as the team powered on. “We’re just proud that we raised the money – and that we pulled a truck!” said Lian.

In the women’s-only category, Helen’s own team called “Helen’s Hauliers” pulled ahead to claim victory with an impressive time of 17.31 seconds, narrowly beating “Diesel Divas”, who finished just behind at 17.86 seconds.

In the open category, “Ospreys in the Community” secured a strong second place with a time of 14.42 seconds, while the overall winners, “The Firestarters” (from D J Davies Fuels), crossed the line in a remarkable 13.75 seconds, taking the trophy for the fastest pull of the day.

Looking ahead, the paediatrics staff are already planning for next year’s competition. “Of course we’ll be back – and we’re aiming for 1st place!” Lian added.

The Swansea Truck Pull brought together NHS staff, local businesses, and community groups in a day of fundraising, team spirit and determination!

Organiser and co-owner of A.T. Morgan & Son, Helen Morgan aims to increase the number of teams to 25 teams next year, which will make a difference in additional fundraising. Helen says:

“The day was so well supported – even in the rain! Most of the teams are looking forward to the event next year. Let’s make this the fun charity event of the year while raising important funds for people in need.”

Find out more about the Going the Extra Mile for Cancer appeal here.

Would you like to support SBUHB Paediatrics’ amazing efforts? You can still donate to Lian’s fundraising page on Enthuse today.