Why I’m Cycling 330km Across Tanzania—And How You Can Help Change Lives

Mount Kilimanjaro

Here on the Isle of Man — and across the UK — we know access to dental care is becoming harder to come by. Long waits, limited NHS availability, and staffing challenges are affecting more and more people.

But in parts of Tanzania, the situation is even more extreme.

Imagine not just waiting — but simply having no dentist to go to at all. For millions of people, there is no access. No safety net. No treatment.

That’s why, this coming February, I’ll be cycling 330km across Tanzania, from the base of Mount Kilimanjaro to the Ngorongoro Crater, in support of the dental charity Bridge2Aid.

Why This Challenge Matters to Me

For years, I’ve followed the fundraising efforts of dental leaders like Chris Barrow and Colin Campbell, who’ve used their platforms to support this life-changing cause. Their stories always resonated with me — deeply meaningful, full of connection, and grounded in doing something that truly makes a difference.

So when the opportunity came up to join the ride myself, I knew it was time.

What Bridge2Aid Does

Bridge2Aid trains local Dental Therapists to deliver safe, sustainable oral healthcare to remote communities. These professionals often become the only source of dental care for up to 200,000 people.

They don’t just treat pain — they educate, restore dignity, and improve long-term health. And they do it as part of their own communities, with skills and support that remain in place long after international volunteers have gone.

My Goal: £2,000 = 2 Therapists = Thousands Helped

My aim is to raise £2,000, which will cover the full training of two Dental Therapists. It’s a small number with a huge reach.

And I want to be clear — even the smallest donation helps.

“The money we raise isn’t going toward a one-off event—it’s training local professionals who will be in their communities for years to come, treating thousands of people. Every pound helps us get closer to that.”

You can donate quickly in-practice using the QR code at our reception, or just ask any member of the team.

Or, if you're reading this online, you can visit my fundraising page here: Donate to Bridge2Aid

A Journey of a Lifetime

This will be one of the most physically challenging things I’ve ever done. The route will take us through wildlife corridors, Maasai villages, the Great Rift Valley, and national parks — nothing like cycling the Isle of Man, which is usually my go-to escape.

I’m hoping to make some lifelong connections with fellow dental professionals — and most of all, I’m looking forward to meeting the community we’ll be supporting. On the final day, we’ll visit one of the Bridge2Aid training programmes and see the results first-hand.

That’s what this is really about. People helping people. One pedal at a time.

Want to Help?

If you’d like to support the cause, it only takes a moment — and every donation makes a real difference.

Donate now

Learn more about the charity at bridge2aid.org

Thank you so much for reading.

– Andrew