The day that changed me

Sometimes, something happens in your life to send you in an unexpected direction.

In 2005 I was at Donington Park Racing Circuit for the motoGP. On the Thursday prior to the race I had seen there was something called 'The Day of Champions.' I had no idea what it was but decided to go along and see what it was about. It turned out to be a fund raising event for a charity called 'Rider for Health.'

That day was one that changed my life. I signed up for a trip to Africa that would last 14 days and we would ride bikes we had purchased for the event. At the end of the trip we would donate the motorcycles to Riders and they would be shipped to Zimbabwe for the health workers to use. These bikes would allow them to visit many more patients in a day. I don't think at the time I signed up I realised how much of a difference it would make to my life, and potentially those of many people in Zimbabwe. I had signed up for the riding adventure and if that did a little bit of good for a charity, then that was a bonus.

I think the first time that it dawned on me what we had achieved, was when we were crating the bikes ready to ship to Zimbabwe. The then director of operations in Zimbabwe, sat crying as he watched the bikes being dismantled and made ready for shipment. He knew what a difference they would make to the lives of the ordinary people.

When I returned to the UK I volunteered to help at the next Day of Champions, and I have been a volunteer ever since, attending other events and marshalling the ride-in for Day of Champions at Silverstone.

Courtesy of Bonnie Lane Photography © 2015.

This year was different. If you look back in my blog you will see mention of Jeanette Wragg, who sadly passed away this year. The Day of Champions was essentially her baby, she nurtured it into the event it is now. It was the first time I had been involved without Jeanette. It was a tough day for all of us who knew her, and especially for her husband Shaun, and their daughter, Donna, who I have to say took up the reins admirably, and produced another fantastic day.
One of the other volunteers, Helen, summed it up. She said 'You know we can't stop now. We would be letting Jeanette down.' And you know, she's right. We must carry on, for Riders, and Jeanette.

If you want to get some idea of the fantastic work they are doing in sub-Saharan Africa, and to find out more about the Day of Champions, please visit them at www.riders.org
Be careful though, you may find yourself hooked just like the rest of us!