The pair of gleaming articulated lorries, provided by Somerset-based transport company Willmotts, will be seen by motorists across the country as they carry the message about mitochondrial disease far and wide.
The publicity boost marks a successful period of fundraising for The Lily Foundation, which like many small charities had to adapt fast to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Using online fundraising and helped by generous donations from its supporters, the charity was able to keep providing vital support to families during the pandemic, and even funded important new research towards a cure for mitochondrial disease.
Bath mum Sarah Moore, who lost two daughters to mitochondrial disease and now works for the charity, helped set up the partnership with Willmotts. "Mitochondrial disease is seen as a rare genetic disease, but it actually affects one baby born every day in the UK," she said. "It's a complex disease that affects people in very different ways, and can be hard to diagnose. People are often left confused, frightened and isolated, sometimes for years. So it's really important to increase awareness, and keep funding research to find a cure."
Sarah added: "We are really proud and grateful to Willmotts. Seeing these Lily lorries on the road will give hope to all those affected by this devastating disease, and show them they are being heard. We need to shout the message about mitochondrial disease loud and clear, and that's exactly what these lorries do."
Andy Stott, Managing Director of Willmotts, said: "We are delighted to support The Lily Foundation with these striking new trailers, which will be highly visible out and about on the roads of Britain as part of the Willmotts' fleet during the next few years. We hope these trailers will help raise awareness of the incredibly valuable work that this charity does in research and help for families and children with mitochondrial disease.”
Joining Sarah and Andy for a photoshoot in front of the lorries were Tim Barfoot, Tom Brewer, Guy Hogg and Chris Knight, who are cycling the epic 100-mile Ride London challenge on 29th May to raise funds for The Lily Foundation. Sarah's nephew Freddie was also pictured.
Have you spotted a Lily lorry?
Our Lily lorries are pretty hard to miss! If you spot one, post a photo of it on social media with the hashtag #LilyFoundation and we'll share it on our channels (please do not take photos whilst driving!).