Lifters are the bits that sit between the valve and the cam lobes. They perform two functions - one is to take up the excess clearance between the cam and valves (either using oil pressure or replaceable shims to set the required clearance), and the other is to provide a smooth, even surface for the cam lobe to press on to open (lift) the valve.
Unless the engine has been neglected, I wouldn't expect these to need changing at 55,000 miles. Hydraulic tappets can suffer if oil changes have been missed, but normally these last the life of the engine.
The lifters are not disturbed as part of cambelt change. Non-hydraulic types need periodic checking and adjustment, but this is usually somewhere around the 100,000 mile mark on modern engines.
If they've gone, it's coincidence. A very unusual failure though.
Cheers
DP
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04 Grand Scenic 1.9 dCi Dynamique
00 Mondeo 1.8TD LX
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