British 125cc racer Michael Hill continued his work for the riders for health charity at the Ricardo Tormo circuit on Thursday ahead of the final round of the Moto GP world championship. Having supported the charity since taking up the sport, Michael once again took to the stage (having previously hosted the main stage on the Friday and Saturday at this years British Moto GP) joining resident Spanish host Cesc Vila for a day in which Spanish fans helped Riders for Health raise in excess of 70,000 euros.
Although the Spanish event is on a much smaller scale to the event held at Donington Park, the enthusiastic crowds were treated to a day of spectacle with stunt shows, an open paddock and pit lane and the traditional auction and rider interviews on the main stage.
Michael who converses fluently in Spanish was on hand to not only interview riders in their native tongue but also a translator for the English speaking fans.
‘After the British GP (which I thoroughly enjoyed) I was delighted to be asked to attend the Spanish event. Not only was it a fantastic opportunity to build my own off track profile and improve my Spanish but it allowed me to continue to help Riders for Health to save lives’ exclaimed Michael after the event.
Also joining Michael on stage was former GP winner and Riders for Health ambassador Randy Mamola who auctioned a pair of VIP paddock passes raising 1500 euros. Spanish heroes Dani Pedrosa, Toni Elias and Carlos Checa along with pretty much every Spanish entrant from within all three world championship classes took to the stage auctioning helmets, boots and other personal items to the delight of the crowd.
Over the past couple of years, the event in Valencia has gone from strength to strength and coupled with the success of the Day of Champions at the British GP, is an enormous benefit to Riders’ pioneering, life-saving work ensuring reliable health care delivery in Africa.
Riders for Health have worked for over 15 years on the problem of delivery systems for healthcare in rural Africa. Andrea and Barry Coleman have worked tirelessly for the duration and their efforts were rewarded live on stage in the Spanish sun with the news that they had received the MCN Lifetime Achievement award for 2006.
‘I can’t believe it’ commented a clearly shocked Andrea. ‘This award is as much for every single person that has contributed in some way to the Riders’ charity over the past 15 years as it is for me and Barry. I hope that between us we can continue to use motorcycles to make a difference.’
The Riders for Health charity continues with its outstanding work at the NEC motorcycle show before the serious work of making 2007 even more of a success.
For more information on Riders for Health including details of upcoming fundraising events please visit the link below.
Related Linkswww.riders.org
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