uncledirty
November 28th, 2005, 00:28
Former World Rally Champion Richard Burns has passed away this Friday at his home in England, at the age of 34. Burns, who won the world title with Subaru in 2001, had been battling a brain tumor for the past two years.
"From the outset, Richard knew that the odds were heavily against him and yet he fought his illness with bravery and good humor," Burns’ family said in a statement.
"Having undergone both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, he was able to leave hospital in summer 2004. For a while his health showed signs of improvement but then after six months it once again began to decline.
"Determined not to give up, he opted for surgery earlier this year. This alleviated some of the symptoms of his illness and enabled him to remain active.
"At Castle Combe in August he attended a parade of the rally cars that he drove throughout his career and was touched by the warmth of the reception he received.
"However there was to be no miracle and in recent days he lapsed into a coma."
The Briton’s WRC career spread 13 years, through which he obtained 10 wins. His final season of competition was 2003, driving for Peugeot. His disease was diagnosed shortly afterwards, and he never drove again since.
"From the outset, Richard knew that the odds were heavily against him and yet he fought his illness with bravery and good humor," Burns’ family said in a statement.
"Having undergone both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, he was able to leave hospital in summer 2004. For a while his health showed signs of improvement but then after six months it once again began to decline.
"Determined not to give up, he opted for surgery earlier this year. This alleviated some of the symptoms of his illness and enabled him to remain active.
"At Castle Combe in August he attended a parade of the rally cars that he drove throughout his career and was touched by the warmth of the reception he received.
"However there was to be no miracle and in recent days he lapsed into a coma."
The Briton’s WRC career spread 13 years, through which he obtained 10 wins. His final season of competition was 2003, driving for Peugeot. His disease was diagnosed shortly afterwards, and he never drove again since.