Donington Riders for Health Day of Champions´ success
Friday, 20 June 2008
Thursday´s Donington Park `Day of Champions´ was a resounding success, as €235,965 (approximately £185,000) was raised for the official charity of the MotoGP World Championship, Riders for Health.
Thanks to the generosity and support of the race-mad British fans in attendance and the continued enthusiasm of the MotoGP riders and teams at the now customary Donington Park `Day of Champions´ on Thursday, `Riders for Health´ will receive a significant boost in their efforts to maintain and improve the delivery of medical supplies to deprived and remote regions of Africa.
The `Day of Champions´, on the eve of the bwin.com British Grand Prix, saw numerous activities, including a charity cycle ride around the circuit led by local hero James Toseland, who later entertained the crowds with a couple of sets with his band Crash, followed by a highly successful auction of rider memorabilia.
A favourite of the fans wherever he goes, Valentino Rossi got a great reception from the auction attendees, the Italian raising over €25,000 as bids came in for a helmet, t-shirts, caps and paintings signed by the five-time MotoGP World Champion.
Other notable bids included €7,215 for a set of Jorge Lorenzo´s leathers, €2,910 for one of Bradley Smith´s helmets and €900 for a sweatshirt being worn by Dani Pedrosa as he came onto the auction stage.
