Riders for Health, sister charity of the long-established Two Wheels for Life, has come up with a novel way of supporting its life-saving work – asking us to buy a motorcycle. For over 30 years, Riders for Health has been supplying healthcare workers in Africa with motorcycle transport, plus training and protective gear. It’s a model that works well, as workers on tough, basic 100 or 125cc bikes can get to remote villages which are usually difficult to access, and at far lower cost than a 4×4.

Now the charity, which operates in The Gambia, Nigeria, Malawi and Lesotho, needs to replace its ageing fleet of bikes and is appealing for individuals or businesses to donate £1,400 apiece. This buys a new Yamaha AG100, which is specially designed for the job with enclosed chain, fork gaiters, beefy carriers and crash bars – the air-cooled reed-valve two-stroke is well proven, reliable and tough.

Zoë Herron Coleman, head of communications at Two Wheels for Life, said: “What’s great about the Gift a Motorcycle campaign is that the individuals or 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.” So far, Malle London, Yell4Repairs, Pinhoe Garages and Potski Media have all signed up to fund one of the bikes.

To find out more and to donate click here

At the BMF, Jim Freeman was in full support, saying: “A great idea to support a fantastic project. £1400 sounds like excellent value, it’s a pity we can’t buy such a simple workhorse like that in this country. As well as individuals and companies, perhaps there are some bike clubs out there that might fancy sponsoring a bike? I mean 14 people chipping in a ton each and the job’s done. ”

Written by Peter Henshaw

All images courtesy of Two Wheels for Life