Michael Clarke joins Perpetual Loyal Team for 2015 Rolex Sydney Hobart
by Sally Burleigh 10 Oct 2015 20:04 BST
26 December 2015
Michael Clarke, photographed with Luke at Sydney Children's Hospital, will join Perpetual Loyal for the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race © Steve Christo
Former Australian Cricket Captain, Michael Clarke, has joined the Perpetual LOYAL yacht racing team for the 2015 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
"I competed in my first ocean race with Anthony and his team in the annual Sydney to Gold Coast last year," Michael said.
"I have to say it wasn't the most enjoyable few days of my life, in fact, I found it extremely tough. However when you visit the children here at the hospital you quickly realise that a couple of rough nights at sea is nothing compared to what so many of these children and their families go through.
"My wife and I are expecting our first baby in the next few months and I pray our baby is healthy. I take comfort in having seen the amazing work and care of the medical team here at the Sydney Children's Hospital first hand, that if we need their support, we will be in the right place.
"My mission is to help the LOYAL Foundation raise funds for vital medical equipment that children need to survive life-threatening situations - a few days of sea sickness is well worth it."
The LOYAL Foundation will host the annual Sportsman's Lunch on Thursday 29 October, at the Dockside Pavilion Darling Harbour with a tribute to the recently retired Australian Cricket Captain and will feature a strong line-up of sporting stars and celebrities to support the cause. All money raised at the lunch will go to the LOYAL Foundation, which will in turn purchase lifesaving children's medical equipment.
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Perpetual LOYAL, skippered by Michael's close friend, Anthony Bell was the Rolex Sydney Hobart Line Honours winner in 2011.
Bell Partners established the LOYAL Foundation in 2009 and since inception the LOYAL Foundation has raised almost 4 million dollars through fundraising events.
The Foundation has been honoured to work with high profile Australians such as Phil Kearns, Phil Waugh, Anthony Miniciello, Danny Green, Sally Fitzgibbons, Layne Beachley, Jessica Watson, Kurt Fearnley, Tom Slingsby, Jude Bolton, Geoff Huegill, Larry Emdur, Karl Stefanovic and many others who have competed on board the super maxi.
The LOYAL Foundation works on the principle that 100 cents of every dollar donated are distributed to approved charities including the Humpy Dumpty Foundation with no administrative costs.