Triumph’s gift to cancer sufferer
Phil Green thought he was just getting a go on a one-off Bonnie at yesterday’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – but Triumph had a surprise for him.
CANCER sufferer Phil Green went to yesterday’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride in London expecting to borrow a one-off custom Bonneville made especially for the men’s health charity event.
But Triumph surprised the A&E nurse, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer seven years ago, by telling him it was his to keep.
Triumph’s brand manager Miles Perkins presented Phil, 50, with the bike in a speech before the ride.
Phil (above, with the bike) said: “They say we’re here for our fathers, our brothers and our friends. I’m here for my son, so in 30 years’ time he won’t have to go through what I go through.
“But most of all, I’m here to ride this bike. I’m here to dress dapper. And we’re here to show London what we’re all about.”
A Triumph source said: “Phil was under the understanding they had built the bike for him to ride that day and then it was going to be given back, but it was actually in the end officially presented to him to keep.
“It’s very much his bike now."
The Triumph ‘Dapper Bonnie DGR100’ is based on the T100 model, and features burnt orange paintwork, a Harris Tweed seat and a selection of Triumph’s own aftermarket accessories.
Phil told the story of his ongoing battle with cancer in a moving short film released by Triumph last week.
The firm tweeted from the ride yesterday saying: ‘Look out for part 2 of Phil’s story next week.’
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is an annual international event attracting tens of thousands of smartly dressed motorcyclists to rides in major cities across the world.
An estimated 1,000 motorcyclists joined the event in London, setting off from Olympic Park at 11am and riding to the Houses of Parliament and back.
Over £3m has so far been raised by this year’s event for the Movember Foundation, which tackles men's health issues.
Comedian Rufus Hound tweeted from the London ride: ‘1000 fine men and women in suits & on motorcycles raising £4m (worldwide) for men's health charity. @MovemberUK. What's not to love?’
We’ve had a great day at the London @gentlemansride. Look out for part 2 of Phil’s story next week. #dgr2017 #movember #fortheride pic.twitter.com/bKgTSFUnJ9
— Triumph Motorcycles (@OfficialTriumph) September 24, 2017
1000 fine men and women in suits & on motorcycles raising £4m (worldwide) for men's health charity @MovemberUK. What's not to love? pic.twitter.com/mwh0pc2XnZ
— Rufus Hound (@RufusHound) September 24, 2017
