The Richard Burns Foundation

The Richard Burns Foundation was created following the death of Richard Burns, the 2001 world rally champion, from an astrocytoma – a virulent form of brain tumour – in November 2005.

Richard’s strength and determination throughout his illness were an inspiration to those who knew and worked with him. He faced his disease with the same attitude that he displayed on the world’s rally stages: showing bravery, intelligence and single-mindedness. These were all the qualities that helped make him England’s only world rally champion.

After Richard’s death, which occurred when he was aged just 34, the Richard Burns Foundation was set up by some of his closest friends and colleagues as a lasting tribute to his memory. It aims to help people who are affected by serious illness or injury.

It is also there to recognise the people who display the same fortitude as Richard during their individual ordeals, giving them the means to face the future with confidence.

Marcus Grönholm, a two-time world rally champion and former team-mate of Richard’s, is the newly-appointed patron of the Foundation, with Richard’s former team boss David Lapworth, and Zoe Scott, Richard’s long-term girlfriend, among the trustees. Richard’s navigator Robert Reid was a co-founder of the charity and also remains heavily involved in its day-to-day running.

The Richard Burns Foundation will hold a number of fund-raising events this year, which we ask everyone to support. Thanks to your help and generosity, the Foundation aims to change a number of lives for the better.

One of the most valuable gifts is publicity. Spreading the word about the work of the Foundation enables more money to be raised and Richard’s memory to be kept alive through offering hope to people who have their lives unexpectedly disrupted.

The Foundation is constantly evolving and looking at new ways to remember Richard and benefit people. All your comments and suggestions are gratefully received: please e-mail .

Thank you very much for your valuable support.