2020 end of year report
COVID-19 changed the world dramatically. We were no longer able to raise funds in our usual ways, but nothing stopped us supporting the delivery of healthcare to remote communities across Africa - using motorcycles.
COVID-19 changed the world dramatically. We were no longer able to raise funds in our usual ways, but nothing stopped us supporting the delivery of healthcare to remote communities across Africa - using motorcycles.
What we have achieved in the programmes we support across Africa over a turbulent 2020.
VISITS & TRAINING
Twelve-times trials world champion Dougie Lampkin MBE travelled with us to Lesotho to carry out advanced, rider-training for the motorcycle-mounted health workers who deliver vital services in mountainous areas. A team from Dorna Sports (MotoGP ™ ) visited Lesotho to see the work that Two Wheels for Life & development partner Riders for Health are delivering.
TECH UPGRADE
We started rolling out technology we developed with Riders & tech partners to dramatically improve data collection and analysis. This technology will amongst other things reduce the time it takes for data to be processed from over three months to less than a day, meaning patients are diagnosed faster and start receiving treatment sooner.
NEW MOTORCYCLES
Two Wheels for Life, with support of our donors, provided two ambulances & eight new Suzuki DL125 motorcycles to deliver biological samples and test results to the Lesotho programme. We also funded a new website to showcase, for new operational and funding partners, the ground-breaking, cost effective and sustainable work of Riders for Health.
PIVOTING TO ADDRESS COVID-19
With our support, the Riders’ teams in each African country; The Gambia, Lesotho, Nigeria, Liberia and Malawi, pivoted their services to deal with the pandemic. Health workers, who have reliable transport because of the Riders programme, delivered COVID-19 information and transported COVID-19 tests and results.
COVID-19 EQUIPMENT
As the need for COVID-19 related services grew, Two Wheels provided specially designed backpacks and top boxes to allow for refrigerated COVID-19 sample transport to laboratories.
UPSKILLING
Funded by Two Wheels for Life, a senior staff member from the long running Riders programme in The Gambia travelled to Lesotho to upskill the team, refurbish a fleet of 15 motorcycles and ensure their systems were running to Riders’ high standards.
TRAINING
With our support, the Lesotho programme was able to train new riders in advanced motorcycle riding and safety, these included a midwife, a clinician and three new sample couriers. We're delighted to support this necessary training to ensure the safety of the riders and the longevity of the vehicles.
TECH ROLLOUT
We rolled out new technology to more remote districts across Lesotho, which will enable better journey planning and make the delivery of healthcare by Riders even more cost efficient with less time spent on data entry and staff can now spend their time more productively, analysing data to improve their systems.
As the official charity of MotoGP™ the cancellation of spectator racing meant we had to put our exclusive paddock experience days, unique experience auctions and our flagship fundraising event Day of Champions at the British Grand Prix on hold and our fundraising income took a huge hit.
But we found new ways to drive donations and stay engaged with race fans. Our ‘Lockdown Takeover’ series on instagram hosted presenters and guests including Two Wheels for Life co-founder Randy Mamola, BT Sport’s Suzi Perry, Danillo Petrucci, Maverick Vinales, Franco Morbidelli, Michael Hill, Michael Laverty, Sam Lowes, John McPhee, Gavin Emmett, Wayne Rainey, Colin Edwards! We also invited big names the sport like Kevin Schwantz and Carl Fogarty to join members of the public for Zoom ‘Sundowner Drinks'. The events were a success and saw a flurry of donations as well as raising awareness to our work.
We launched The Forever Two Wheels tshirt range in collaboration with Bolt Motorcycles, set up a new partnership will Malle London and are running our biggest holiday competition and online auction yet!
Health worker wearing face mask The Gambia
In 2020, health workers across Africa mobilised by Two Wheels and Riders for Health have taken on new challenges. They have absorbed the demands of COVID-19 as well as continuing to give access to basic community healthcare and services that prevent and treat existing diseases.
Thankfully the reported COVID-19 death rate per capita across Africa has been low compared with other parts of the world. WHO and other experts suspect factors such as the relatively young population, expertise in epidemic control from tackling other outbreaks, cross-immunity from other coronaviruses, low travel and outdoor living have contributed to this.
But the danger is not over. Africa’s population is extremely vulnerable. As COVID vaccines are released we will ensure they can reach people in rural areas along with the care, education and health services needed to ensure people don’t die unnecessarily due to lack of transport.
We are incredibly grateful for all the help we have been given from our supporters and from the MotoGP™ community during this tough time. With your support we will continue to ensure healthcare reaches 47 million people across Africa in 2021 and beyond.
We look forward to being able to offer more great access to the world of MotoGP™ in 2021. And wish everybody around the world a happy and healthy New Year.
Andrea Coleman CEO Two Wheels for Life
Pictured here in Lesotho in January with Mahali Hlasa, Chair, Riders for Health
Two Wheels for Life is thrilled to announce its selection as the official charity partner for the prestigious 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Join us as a volunteer at motorcycling events around the UK and beyond.
Find out how we raised funds, and the life-saving impact we made in 2023.
We're excited to be working with Itchy Boots Noraly Schoenmaker to auction a very special motorcycle helmet worn on her travels from Spain to West Africa, to raise funds for life-saving projects.