12 month Anniversary Commemoration

Tuesday 18th July 2006 marked the 12 month anniversary of the tragic accident in Germany that killed Amy Gillett and injured team mates Louise, Lorian, Katie, Alexis and Kate. A number of activities were organized to mark the date. These included a visit to the Jena University Hospital by Louise, Katie and Kate to say thanks to the doctors and medical staff who cared for them 12 months earlier. Australia's Ambassador to Germany, Ian Kemish, presented the doctors with Certificates of Appreciation signed by Prime Minster John Howard.

Later that evening, we attended the official opening ceremony of the Thuringen-Rundfahrt Road Race in Zuelenroda. The Minister for Economics and Arts for the State of Thuringen announced the inaugural Amy Gillett Memorial Trophy which would be awarded to the female rider who displayed sportsmanship, courage and fairness throughout the event.

The memorial service on Tuesday morning was both emotional and cheerful as Amy's team mates recounted some funny stories about things she would say and do. Mary and Denis Safe unveiled a memorial plaque and Mary paid tribute to her daughter by reading a letter that Amy had written.

In the afternoon, we watched the prologue and screamed support for Kate Nichols as she raced to the finish line. We were delighted to read that she finished 16th overall and was the inaugural recipient of the Amy Gillett Memorial Trophy (well done Kate!)

A charity concert was held that evening in Zuelenroda, with all funds raised from the entry fee being donated to the Amy Gillett Foundation.