“A spark ignited when talking of various friends’ pligh-
ts with mental health, and indeed our own. We shared a
common feeling that for men in today’s world, every day
is a winding road and that more can always be done.”
Anderson is a four-time Grand Prix motorcycle road
racing world champion, two-time Isle of Man TT winner
and 19-time New Zealand national champion. But, of
course, even such incredible success does not make one
immune to men’s health issues. Anderson lost his older
brother to prostate cancer and himself was diagnosed as
a “text-book case of a manic depressive”, so the aims of
Full Tank ring particularly true to him.
“Initiatives such as Full Tank do a great deal to lift the
standing of motorcycling in the community,” Anderson
says.
“The sense of unity provided by the ideal of giving to
a well promoted – in this case neglected – health issue,
unites us all, and that freedom we enjoy is exemplified in
our freedom to give.”
Anderson became the first Full Tank ambassador, a
club that now includes the British Super Bike champion
Josh Brookes; Australian rugby league international,
thyroid cancer survivor and motorcycle enthusiast, Luke
Lewis; actor, testicular cancer survivor and much admi-
red motorcycle adventurer Charley Boorman; Australian
stunt riding champion, Lukey Luke; and the founder of
the worldwide charitable initiatives, The Distinguished
Gentleman’s Ride and Ride Sunday, Mark Hawwa.
Wilson says the fact that so many people are keen to
throw their support behind Full Tank reflects the wide-
-ranging appeal of the initiative.
“It’s about them, and it’s non-sectarian,” he says.
“By that I mean, it doesn’t matter what you ride or
how long you have been in the saddle, a Full Tank is for
all. The brand is here to celebrate the fact that the riding
community cares and wants to make a difference.”
You’re a fortunate guy if you roll through life without
any hint of trouble on the bike, and the same is true for
your health, Wilson adds.
“At some point, chances are you, a friend or family
member is going to have a challenge with men’s health,”
he says.
“Full Tank is just another way riders can act, and recei-
ve a great product at the same time.”
Full Tank will kick start with a range of t-shirts fea-
turing illustrations that Wilson says look to express the
fun, romance and attitude that only motorcycling can
deliver.
“We wanted to start with an apparel line that allowed
us to best express our illustration style, and that was
tees,” he says.
“Over time that will extend to other lines and, we
hope, also act as a brand for current riding apparel ma-
nufacturers as well, offering an industry recognised
not-for-profit platform to create new product lines that
enhance their own philanthropic reputations.”
Wilson emphasises that Full Tank is for motorcycle
enthusiasts from all walks of life helping one another to
enjoy good physical and mental health.
“Everybody deserves a full tank, and I am thankful to
the many who have volunteered their time to make that
choice a possibility for our riding community around the
world,” he says.
To learn more visit fulltankmoto.org
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