World Rally Radio adopts Richard Burns Foundation and Michael Park Fund

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World Rally Radio, the official Voice of the World Rally Championship, is to adopt The Richard Burns Foundation and the Michael Park Fund as its Official Charities with immediate effect.

The Foundation is set up in the name of the 2001 World Rally Champion, who lost his brave fight against brain cancer in November 2005 aged 34.


The RBF also encompasses The Michael Park Fund named after Richard’s good friend and fellow WRC competitor who was tragically killed in an accident during the 2005 Wales Rally GB.

World Rally Radio, which broadcasts 24/7 via http://www.worldrallyradio.com and http://www.wrc.com, and is also now heard on FM at selected WRC events, will give full on air support to all RBF fund-raising activities and events including hourly adverts.

World Rally Radio is produced by The Broadcasting Company, Europe’s largest radio sports agency.  Managing Director Greg Strange said “Rally lost two very fine men in Richard and Michael, and it’s imperative that we work to cherish their memory.  World Rally Radio is delighted to give its help and support and we urge everyone in rallying – teams, drivers, events and of course rally fans to also get involved.  Do what you can, give what you can, raise some money: these are great causes.”

Robert Reid, long time Co-Driver with Richard Burns, said “One of the main objectives of RBF is to establish a truly international charity. Richard and Beef were both top class competitors on the world stage and what better a platform than World Rally Radio to bring global awareness to the Foundation and its projects. You just have to see some of the messages and banners on WRC events to realise that Richard and Michael meant a lot to everyone involved in motor sport worldwide.”

The Foundation strives to inspire and support people with serious injury and illness and it certainly got off to a good start. Launched in June at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, more than £50,000 was raised in that weekend alone with the first beneficiary being The Youth Cancer Trust.

The RBF takes its lead and inspiration from the way that Richard dealt with his illness, constantly refusing to let it stop him from enjoying his life and doing as much as he could to help others. Put simply, had Richard survived his illness he would now be championing the cause of RBF himself.

And it’s not just supported by World Rally Radio, other high profile names that rallied around to help raise awareness during the Goodwood weekend include Jenson Button, Alan McNish, Colin McRae and Marcus Gronholm.

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