Marc Gené, new ambassador of the "Legacy of María de Villota"; the great work that keeps her memory alive

Pedro de la Rosa, Carlos Sainz (jr), Antonio García,… a list to which Marc Gené now joins as the new ambassador of the “Legacy of María de Villota”, a brilliant initiative born just a few months after the death of the Madrid-born racing driver in Seville in October 2013, and which keeps her memory alive by continuing the important charitable work that María began during her lifetime.

“For me it is a true honour and a great responsibility to be the new ambassador of the Legacy that María left us,” said Marc Gené on accepting his appointment before María’s family and the many friends and collaborators of her Legacy who gathered yesterday evening in Madrid. “María, a woman who was always smiling, taught us not only how important the values we receive from our parents are and how we must pass them on, but also the need to know when to brake, to put things in perspective and to give importance to what truly matters in life. To enjoy what you have and to know that we can all do a little more for others. If there were many Marías in the world, this would undoubtedly be a much better place,” Gené commented.

At the emotional gathering held last night in Madrid, Emilio de Villota, former racing driver and María’s father, highlighted to those present the immense charitable legacy left by María, reviewing both the charitable work carried out by María herself during her lifetime and that undertaken by the “María de Villota Legacy” since its founding in 2014. De Villota also highlighted the main lines of action of the charitable initiative: “The transmission of values, support for children affected by genetic neuromuscular diseases, road safety, the integration of women in sport, and solidarity”.

Thanks to the charitable work of the “Legacy of María de Villota”, different types of actions have been carried out through which it has been possible to help many people. Thus, through the “Primera estrella” programme (an iconic symbol with which María is identified), in collaboration with the Ana Carolina Díez Mahou Foundation, 13,341 Motorico and respiratory physiotherapy treatments have been provided in the gym and in water, and 72 “Lección de Vida” (Life Lesson) talks have been held, attended by more than 7,000 people. With the “Fórmula 1 Kilo” initiative, the ‘Legacy’ has collected, donated and distributed 159,791 kilos of food among people and families going through hardship, of which 72,417 kilos were distributed in 2017 alone.

Also, 25 women, 10 men, 3 young people and 16 children were taken in at the “María de Villota Residence”, which, together with the San José social canteen, is run by the Parish Caritas of San Ramón Nonato in Madrid to assist homeless people, abused women and others in extreme situations. Every day, 260 people without resources benefit from the activity of the San José social canteen.

In addition, the “María de Villota Legacy” organises numerous activities to raise funds, aid and attract volunteers, such as the charity races of the San Silvestre del Jarama (the 5th edition will be held on 24 December) or the Milla María de Villota in Santander; the sale of the charity bracelet, concerts and charity sports tournaments, as well as the book “La vida es un regalo” (Life is a Gift), written by María herself, in which she conveys all her experiences of the accident and her spirited formula for moving forward afterwards. All “a cry to life”, as María herself expressed at the time, the sale of which helps to cover the costs of the various social works of her Legacy.

“The best legacy María left us has been her example,” says Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz. “Her smile won everyone over, it took us wherever she wanted,” added Pedro de la Rosa. “Sportspeople are selfish by nature, but if María taught us anything, it was the importance of always keeping our feet firmly on the ground,” said Antonio García before handing over the baton as ambassador to Marc Gené.