Schumachers vow to ‘keep fighting’
The family of Formula One legend Michael Schumacher has issued a rare statement after the release of a poster to raise money for the Keep Fighting Foundation.
Schumacher suffered serious head injuries in a skiiing accident in 2013 and was subsequently put into a medically induced coma.
Since then his family has guarded his privacy, releasing few details about his condition.
However, his manager Sabine Kehm said the poster, which illustrates Schumacher driving a Ferrari to the first of his world titles in 2000, was ‘‘a stunning way to celebrate Michael’s iconic career’’.
‘‘We are delighted to be partnering with ZOOM to raise money for the Keep Fighting Foundation,’’ Kehm said in the statement.
According to the Keep Fighting website, it is ‘‘a non-profit initiative that is celebrating the attitudes to ‘Keep Fighting’ and ‘Never Give Up’ which are directly inspired by Michael Schumacher.
Kehm has said previously that Schumacher’s condition is a private matter but the ‘Keep Fighting’ message is a poignant reminder of the challenges he faces.
In August, French publication Paris Match reported that Schumacher ‘‘sometimes cries’’ as he looks out at the views over the Lake Geneva home where he is cared for.
Intensive efforts were made to stimulate his lost memory by playing the sounds of the whirring engines of the F1 or by taking him to make turns of the villa in a car.
Michael Schumacher’s son, Mick, is carving out his own career in motorsport. Last month Mick Schumacher became the first German driver to win the Formula Three European Championship.
‘‘To be honest I didn’t think it would feel so nice. I’m just flabbergasted,’’ he said.
The title gave Schumacher enough points to gain a super licence allowing him to compete in Formula One. However, a move into F1 next season has been ruled out.