Four thousand potential bidders. Two hundred and thirty seven thousand pounds raised, a huge proportion from the auction alone. £3500 was paid for a selfie. No prizes for guessing who with.

There is surely no event quite like the Day of Champions which got the Silverstone MotoGP off to a flying start. Certainly no sport can pull together it’s twenty, and more, top stars to support a charity which provides transport to help the sick, many of them children, in Africa. For one day it takes over the circuit with the auction, rides round the circuit with Randy on a Ducati two-seater and other attractions.

Organised by Two Wheels for Life, formerly Riders for Health, it was founded and is lead by Andrea Coleman, supported by her husband Barry, right hand woman Donna Leonard and a small team of volunteers.

If miracles do happen, this is one of them. After more than 20 years of success the charity ran into problems and last year had to be wound up. Undeterred, and with the support of Dorna who adopted the charity under its new name, Andrea, Donna and others fought on.

The Day of Champions was saved. Silverstone chairman John Grant gave it resounding backing from the stage and many important guests from motor sport, including Maria Gonzales, wife of Dorna boss Carmelo Ezpeleta, turned up to give their support.

The happiest person of all was Kristen Tilley. She got the selfie with, of course, Valentino Rossi.

“Once again, we are absolutely thrilled! The support for Two Wheels for Life in the MotoGP community is astounding. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s involved,” said Mrs Coleman.

“To all of the teams and riders for giving us their precious time and for donating such fantastic items and experiences, to the fans who give such amazing support and help us raise so much money and to our precious team of volunteers, without whom Day of Champions simply couldn’t happen. This community is wonderful and unique in bringing people together to show that motorcycles are not just fun, but they save lives in Africa.”

Randy Mamola led a poignant tribute to Nicky Hayden with everyone standing and clapping, remembering this most talented and special rider.

From 3pm the Auction got underway with 90 exclusive lots raising an astounding, and very much appreciated, £84,275. From signed memorabilia and clothing to excusive MotoGP experiences, the crowd were engaged from start to finish with Jules Ryder, Gavin Emmett, Suzi Perry, Colin Edwards, Keith Huewen, Matt Roberts and Michael Hill entertaining the fans throughout whilst interviewing the riders. Johann Zarco thrilled everyone with an impressive back-flip from the stage and landing safely on his feet.

LCR Honda provided an exclusive MotoGP Weekend Experience for one lucky couple who paid £4,200 for paddock access for the whole weekend along with hospitality, garage tour and an opportunity to meet Cal Crutchlow.

From Andrea Dovizioso’s signed boots to a Jorge Lorenzo Tissot signed pole position winner’s watch, from a chance to attend the Silverstone podium ceremonies to the winner’s bottle of Cava from the Austrian MotoGP signed by Dovizioso, Marquez and Pedrosa and even a boomerang signed by Mick Doohan and Wayne Gardner, our exclusive auction items were eagerly snapped up.

The KTM teams’ donations of factory parts, signed barrel seat, racing experience and MotoGP weekend experience raised an impressive combined total of £6,100.