Valentino Rossi, Simoncelli charity raise funds for Italian hospitals
Italy has been hit hard by the coronavirus outbreak and it's health service is under stress. Now riders and teams are getting involved in helping them out
While there are now few corners of the earth that haven’t been affected in some way by the spread of the coronavirus, Italy has been hit incredibly hard by the outbreak of COVID-19.
Of the 8,000-plus deaths to have occurred globally since the outbreak began, Italy alone accounts for more than 2,500 as of writing, an alarming statistic against the 31,000 cases recorded so far.
So bad has the outbreak been in Italy that it is now the second worst-affected country in the world behind China, but it is now recording more deaths per day. Moreover, while China – which has seen 3,200 deaths so far – has 56 cases per million of the population now, Italy’s has around 520.
It means Italy’s health service is under immense strain, a stress that has prompted a number of people in privileged positions to lend a helping hand to those in need.
These include national hero Valentino Rossi, who has paid a ‘generous contribution’ to the Marche Nord hospital in Italy, where he has previously been treated for injuries.
“VR46 Srl, together with several entrepreneurs from the Marche region, has contributed to the fundraising dedicated to the Association TOGETHER FOR NORTHERN BRANDS , in order to purchase new respirators for the Marche Nord Hospital.
“By strongly believing in actions aimed at fighting the Coronavirus emergency, VR46 Srl invites anyone to act in compliance with the rules and to contribute to fundraisersto help those who are trying to overcome this complicated moment these days.”
In addition, the SIC56 foundation set up in memory of Marco Simoncelli has created a Just Giving page to raise funds for the Infemi Di Rimini, with 5,000EUR raised so far (link here).
Pramac Ducati rider Pecco Bagnaia has also donated towards Molinette Hospital in Turin’s Resuscitation department, while many other riders – across the world – have taken to social media to promote the #StayAtHome message urging people to remain isolated for the time being to assure their own safety and others.
