Richard Burns

Arkwright

Arkwright

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May 23, 2003
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Safe to say in light of the death of George Best this will go largely unnoticed,but for me far more deserving of a thread:-

From Sporting life:-

Former world rally champion Richard Burns has died after a long battle with a brain tumour, aged 34.

Burns, the only Englishman to win the championship, underwent brain surgery to remove a tumour in April but died on Friday with his close family and friends at his bedside.

Burns' last race was in 2003 while leading the championship. He was forced to stop racing after passing out at the wheel of his car while travelling to the Wales Rally GB.

Burns won the championship in 2001 and enjoyed numerous battles with his rival Colin McRae, the only other Briton to win the world rally championship.

An official statement released today said: "From the outset Richard knew that the odds were heavily against him and yet he fought his illness with bravery and good humour. 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 date of a memorial service will be announced shortly."
 
Yes, my colleagues were discussing this today - a horrible thing to have happened to a young, bright guy, still so enjoying life.
 
four years after reaching the top in his sport, hes lost the battle against his illness. brave throughout his illness and a great sportsman.
God bless him
 
What a tragedy. As someone who has suffered from a brain tumour and survived, I can still only imagine the pain his family are suffering. RIP.
 
A mate of mine on the hurling team told me about this and I honestly thought he was joking. A loss to the sporting world and to civilisation. I never knew Richard Burns personally but heard of him on the radio, television etc. and to die so young is truly tragic.

RIP Richard Burns
Martin
 
A great loss. Fairly or unfairly Richard Burns didnt really get the recognition he deserves in the rallying world even though he was a champion. Many see him as a great 'thinker' and his outright speed wasnt as good as McRae, a Prost in the rallying world instead of a Senna. His performances in the Peugeot didnt help to get rid of that image neither.

Never knew his condition was so bad and was really shocked to find the news on the internet. RIP Richard Burns. The first ever English rallying world champion.
 
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