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Enduro Africa challenge

7 December 2007

ENDURO AFRICA GOES "FULL THROTTLE" WITH FAIRBAIRN PRIVATE BANK

Fairbairn Private Bank was pleased to support the charity Riders for Health by sponsoring two motorcycle riders in this year’s Enduro Africa challenge. This gruelling challenge tests the endurance and stamina of even the toughest riders during an eight-day trek through some of South Africa’s most rugged and isolated terrain.

An initial fundraising target of £150,000 was broken, and almost £200,000 was raised for the charity, which transports vital medicines by motorcycle to remote parts of Africa. In addition, the 100 bikes used for the challenge were donated to the charity for their ongoing operations.

The bank was keen to support the charity, originally founded by British bikers, which has transformed Africa’s healthcare service. Riders for Health co-ordinate a fleet of motorcycles and 4x4s, and a zero breakdown policy ensures that all transport in the fleet is fully operational at all times, by training health workers to maintain their own vehicles. The charity offers a crucial lifeline for the remote communities in Africa who are cut-off from hospitals and health clinics due to the poor road infrastructure. Health workers can now visit many more patients, hold mobile clinics in far flung villages and, crucially, offer preventative treatment that can halt the spread of malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis (TB).

Riders for Health receives most of its support from the motorcycle community, with endorsements from racers and celebrities such as well known bike enthusiast Ewan McGregor. The Times newspaper has also recognised the extraordinary work undertaken by the charity and has launched a Christmas fundraising appeal with its readers.

The two riders entering the challenge, with support from Fairbairn Private Bank, were Alex Carter-Silk and Andy McNab, of Bravo Two Zero fame. Alex commented, “We wish to thank the bank for its generosity and we are immensely grateful for its support. Andy and I are thrilled to have participated in this challenge and to be able to make a contribution to the hard work done by everyone at Riders for Health.”

Anyone who wishes to support Riders for Health should log-on to http://www.riders.org/

                                                                          Ends

For Further Information:

Janet Taylor                                                                            Tel: +44 (0)1624 645000

Issued By:

Lisa Creighton, Isle of Man Advertising and PR Ltd               Tel: +44 (0)1624 620440

Notes to Editor:

Fairbairn Private Bank operates a comprehensive private and personal banking operation on behalf of a wide range of clients. These include private individuals, small and large companies, trusts, governments and institutional investors. A full range of banking, investment, trust and corporate services can be accessed through its offices in the Isle of Man, Jersey and its representative office in South Africa.

Fairbairn Private Bank is a member of the Old Mutual Group.

When referring to Fairbairn Private Bank – please ensure that the company name is printed in full and not abbreviated.