The Mark Webber Challenge Foundation is much more than the sum of its individual parts. It’s the explosive combination of Mark’s incredible focus that we see on the racetrack, and his desire to help others off the track. Mark sums it up:
“There are two cornerstones to the Foundation’s work: people and the planet. By pledging funds to good causes, we help improve the lives of young Australians with life-threatening illnesses. They show awesome courage when fighting their battles in hospital and we can do things that will bring a smile to their faces while they’re there. My passion for the great outdoors manifests itself in the Mark Webber Challenge, which has historically taken place in Tasmania. It’s vital that we look after what we have around us so future generations can share it, which is why we’re pledging funds to environmental conservation projects throughout Australia.”
“They were minding their own business out on a training ride,” says Mark, “when suddenly – bam! – a car mowed down the entire peloton, killing Amy and injuring everyone else.”
This was the tragic incident that killed Australian cyclist Amy Gillett while she was training in Germany in 2005. Her eponymous Foundation works to achieve three goals: to promote cyclists’ safety on the road; to provide an annual scholarship for emerging Australian cyclists and to assist the five women injured in the accident in 2005.
Mark is a keen cyclist and he’s a proud patron of the Amy Gillett Foundation.
