During his 8 years with the Travis Perkins Group, Jamie has gained both office and yard experience, but around 6 years ago Jamie saw a driver job opportunity where he could really develop his skillset. He’s now a Class 2 HGV driver at Keyline in Glasgow and drives the very noticeable Prostate Cancer branded Keyline truck.
2019 marked 10 years of Keyline’s partnership with Prostate Cancer UK (PCUK), and at the time, we marked it by introducing four trucks with PCUK branding to raise awareness of and donations for this leading men’s health charity. Although these trucks are special for the whole branch, there’s an extra element of significance for Jamie. His father was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer a few years ago, and naturally, Jamie found it quite difficult to deal with. However, he wants to use his experience to help others who may be in a similar situation.
‘It’s time to start moving forward and start opening up’
Jamie says he didn’t know what to say to his dad or how to support him at the time. ‘If I’d have had someone to talk to beforehand, or done the research, I would have understood more. It’s really important to talk about not just prostate cancer, but everything in life. It’s time to start moving forward and start opening up.’
Why driving the Prostate Cancer truck is important to Jamie
Jamie came to work for us with no previous industry or driving experience. He had a secure job at a well-known pub chain, but an opportunity came up within our Group that he didn’t want to turn down, and so he decided to change career paths. Jamie told us that the aspect he most enjoys about being a driver is being out on the road and having a sense of independence. However, since driving the PCUK truck, his job has become even more meaningful.
‘The PCUK truck challenges the bravado that lots of men show when it comes to their health. it gets the conversation going and encourages men to take care. For me to be driving the truck, and to have had a lot of awareness of prostate cancer, I feel I can talk honestly to those who approach the truck on a building site and ask questions. When my dad was going through radiotherapy, the team couldn’t have been more accommodating, and this really helped. Having a shoulder to lean on, someone to talk to outside of my family and friends, that was amazing. We’re all conscious of each other’s thoughts, feelings, and emotions.’
We really are a family at Travis Perkins, and we look out for each other both personally and with our principles, doing our best to help our people look after their mental wellbeing both at work and home.
Advice to anyone dealing with Prostate Cancer
Jamie’s advice to everyone that reads his story, to those who may not know much about prostate cancer (he says he was once in your shoes), is to go onto Google, do some research and become more familiar with the signs, symptoms, and the impact on mental health.
He says if you would like to find out more and you’d like to do it through work, PCUK are arranging some information sessions and to be a part of this, speak to your manager. ‘Just have a listen, you don’t need to talk, just get yourself educated. We need to raise more awareness for such an amazing charity. It’s time we act now and keep talking.’ Great advice, Jamie.
‘87% of men are currently unaware of the risks and don’t know that prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. If one man goes and seeks medical advice, then it has all been worth it.’ – Karl Wilshaw, Head of Fleet
Why drive for the Travis Perkins Group?
To those thinking of joining our Group, Jamie says to go for it. ‘I took a gamble leaving a secure job, but it’s paid off. The people, the managers, and the morale in branch are unmatched. Additionally, last year the Glasgow branch managed to make a record number of sales. It’s such a great achievement and I’m proud to be part of the team.’
Have you been inspired by Jamie’s story? We’re looking to grow our teams of compassionate and skilled drivers. Find out more about what it’s like to drive for the Travis Perkins Group or browse our available driving jobs today.
To find out more about prostate cancer, head to their website.