Racing gear worn by seven-time motorcycling champion Valentino Rossi fetched almost 35,000 euros at a charity auction on Wednesday in favor of the Gaslini Children's Hospital in Genoa.
Rossi's full-body suit was sold for 19,600 euros and his boots brought in 10,150 euros, while his gloves went for 4,730 euros.
Proceeds from the auction will be used to create a non-medical center in the San Gerolamo Abbey, next to the hospital, for children who have had to interrupt their schooling in order to follow long-term treatment.
The center will have classrooms, a gym for physical rehabilitation, a games and entertainment room and an area where patients can be with their families.
The aim of the initiative is to help children to both convalesce after treatment and prepare for treatment.
"With all my heart I hope that with this gesture we can help the young patients at Gaslini hospital. Those who bid for my gear should know that they are supporting a good cause," Rossi said before the auction.
Over 50,000 children a year receive treatment at Italy's largest pediatric hospital.
