The Riders for Health charity is one of the best-known in the bike world, thanks to its work at MotoGP and other events. And it does an incredible job, supplying healthcare workers in poor parts of Africa with motorcycle transport. Tough go-anywhere bikes help doctors, nurses and other workers get about where roads are in poor condition or non-existent.
The charity that supports Riders for Health, Two Wheels For Life, has just launched a new “Gift a Motorcycle” campaign aimed at businesses and individuals who want to pay or donate their own motorcycle. The cost is £1400, which will buy a Yamaha AG100 for health workers in the Republic of The Gambia in West Africa. The AG100 is specially designed for the job, with an enclosed chain, fork gaiters, front and rear carrier, crash bars, and a super-tough air-cooled reed-valve two-stroke engine. Gift Aid can be added, and the cost is also tax-deductible as a charitable donation.
Zoe Herron-Coleman, head of communications at Two Wheels for Life, said: “What’s great about the Gift a Motorcycle campaign is that the individuals and companies taking part will have the satisfaction of knowing that a community nurse is using the actual vehicle they have donated to deliver vital, life-saving care to vulnerable communities. It’s the first time we’ve done anything like this, and we hope that the chance to provide a motorcycle to a nurse working in one of the most challenging environments in the world will appeal to the practical and generous nature of the wonderful people in the world of motorcycles.
“When donating to a charity, it’s often not clear where the money donated is going, so we hope that donors being able to see their name or logo on the motorcycle they fund and knowing exactly how it will make a difference will inspire many businesses and individuals to support this very special campaign.”
Two Wheels For Life has currently raised enough for 16 out of the targeted 35 motorcycles from businesses, including Malle London, Yell4Repairs, Pinhoe Garages, and Potski Media (the charity’s PR agency).
David Carter from Pinhoe Garages in Exeter said: “We saw the stand at the ABR Festival in June and chatted with everyone there. Initially, we were going to make a financial donation, but we had a chat about donating a whole bike between us. This quickly turned into a bike each as their need for bikes is greater than our need for the money!”
Further info on the campaign here: www.twowheelsforlife.org/donate-save-lives-win-2024/gift-a-motorcycle.