Last convoy for Preston trucks wizard Peter

A funeral convoy of up to 50 trucks will accompany top HGV engineer Peter Wells on his final journey next week.
Peter Wells was a well-known figure in the trucking industry.Peter Wells was a well-known figure in the trucking industry.
Peter Wells was a well-known figure in the trucking industry.

A flat-back lorry will carry the 54-year-old’s coffin from his home in Lostock Hall to Charnock Richard Crematorium, followed by a procession of wagons to honour one of the truck industry’s best-loved figures.

Preston-born Peter passed away after a brave three-year battle with motor neurone disease (MND). Wife Becky said: “The whole time he had the disease he never got depressed. He stayed cheerful.

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"He had an incredible strength and energy. His get-up-and-go was incredible.

Bubbly character Peter with his family - wife Becky and children Ben and Charlotte.Bubbly character Peter with his family - wife Becky and children Ben and Charlotte.
Bubbly character Peter with his family - wife Becky and children Ben and Charlotte.

"He loved life, loved his work and adored his family. He always came across as if it was Christmas every day.”

Peter, who was a fleet engineer for a truck rental firm, planned his own funeral and insisted on making his final trip on the back of a wagon. It was thought a handful of HGVs would accompany him in a poignant display to highlight the tragic illness MND.

But Becky (inset) and children Ben and Charlotte say they have been “staggered” by the response from the truck community with between 30 and 50 now expected to follow the cortege.

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“I didn’t know just how many friends he had in the industry,” said Becky. "His background was in HGV recovery. His knowledge of trucks and cars was incredible. There wasn't anything he didn't know about trucks. He just loved working with them.

“I knew he was highly thought of, but I didn’t realise just how much. He was known throughout the industry as the man with the white board, because he always carried one around with him to write on.

"We spoke about it before Peter died and he was very keen for us to raise awareness of MND.

"He was very hopeful that one day they would find a cure, although he knew it would come too late for him.

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“The illness has been in the news lately with rugby player Rob Burrows and let’s hope that with all the publicity more people are becoming more aware of it. This is worse than cancer because at the moment there is no cure.”

“I want to say a huge ‘thank you’ to the staff at St Catherine’s Hospice, the MND nurses and the district nurses who cared for Peter.”

The funeral service will take place at Charnock Richard on December 30 at 11.30am.

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