Defending Intercontinental Rally Challenge champion Kris Meeke has described taking part in a presentation on behalf of the Colin McRae Vision charity prior to the start of Rally Argentina as a huge honour and a very emotional experience.
Meeke, a former protégé of the rally legend, who was killed in a helicopter accident in 2007 along with his young son Johnny and two family friends, is an ambassador of the charity, which was established to raise funds for initiatives and good causes helping young people around the world.
The presentation of a cheque for 74,000 Argentine Pesos (about 14,100 Euros) was made on the eve of Rally Argentina to the municipal hospital in Carlos Paz, where the rally was based. The money will be used to buy a new X-ray machine for the town.
Meeke said: "I played a very small part in the presentation. It’s actually hats off to Colin’s widow Alison and all the other people involved. They just wanted to give something back to the people who made Colin the man he was, his fans. It was a very touching and emotional night and an honour to be involved."
Colin McRae Vision charity officials are planning to support similar worthwhile causes and initiatives at other rounds of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge this season.