The family of seven-time Formula 1 world champion Michael Schumacher have launched a new "Keep Fighting" initiative which they hope will be a "force for good in the world".
The not-for-profit organisation comes almost two years after Schumacher was involved in a serious skiing accident, which left him hospitalised for many months. He currently resides at home with his family in a unknown state, as they have been keen to keep his recovery private.
His wife, Corrina, said she hoped the initiative would "encourage others to never give up.”
Schumacher's long-time manager Sabine Kehin added: “This is a first step of a movement which we hope can do good in the future.
"The intention of the Keep Fighting Initiative is to spread the belief that giving up is not an option, a message that is valid not only in motor racing. In this way we hope to turn a terrible event, which affects the whole Schumacher family, into something positive.
"We wanted to send a sign of encouragement at a time where people are open to it. The Keep Fighting Initiative is about courage, hope and belief in your own confidence. It is about giving back positive energy that the Schumacher family has received by so many wonderful people in the whole world.
"It is about a spirit which we wanted to be noticed, and I am happy to admit we wanted to take advantage of the attention which we expected in these days, given we believe it is for a good cause."
Kehm also reiterated previous statements confirming no updates on the German's condition would be given and pushed for privacy for the Schumacher family.
"Michael’s health is not a public issue, and so we will continue to make no comment in that regard," she added. "This is also because we have to protect his intimate sphere. Legally seen and in the longer term, every statement related to his health would diminish the extent of his intimate sphere.
“We are aware that this may be difficult for some people to understand but we do this with full commitment to Michael’s guidelines and can only thank people for their understanding.
“Michael has always been very protective of his privacy, even during the most successful times of his career. He has always made sure there is a clear and distinct line between his public persona and his private one.
"We are now celebrating the loyalty of the fans by a range of initiatives, including exhibitions, social media and now Keep Fighting. Most of the fans have expressed their appreciation and have embraced these initiatives.”
A website has been set up where futher information can be found – www.keepfighting.ms
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