Bernhard van Oranje, co-owner of the Zandvoort circuit, has been the passionate chairman of Lymph&Co for many years. This foundation aims to financially support scientific research into lymphoma and raise as much awareness as possible for this type of cancer. He appreciates that Haas driver Nico Hülkenberg is contributing to this cause in Zandvoort.
The special Dutch GP helmet of the German from Emmerich, across the border near Arnhem, will be auctioned off in the Founders Lounge of the circuit on Sunday afternoon after the race. The highest bidder will take home the collector’s item with the orange-white colored design, and the proceeds will go entirely to Lymph&Co.
“Nico and his manager Raoul reached out because they wanted to support a good cause. We then discussed Lymph&Co, somewhat as an extension of the collaboration we as a foundation already had with the Haas F1 team last year. The initiative for this action comes from Nico himself, which I think is wonderful. And he really has a connection with the Netherlands, so for that reason he wanted to do something special here,” explains Van Oranje about the establishment of the collaboration.
Using Influence and Reach for Good Causes
Bernhard van Oranje continues, “I believe it’s gratifying for everyone to be able to give back to society. And that can mean different things for different people. It should never be an obligation, because then it doesn’t work. But I find it very beautiful when people use their influence and reach for a good cause.”
The prince, who himself had lymphoma but overcame the disease, is deeply committed to his foundation. “Approximately one in fifty people are diagnosed with lymphoma. In the Netherlands alone, about 4000 new patients are added each year, and this number is increasing. Among children, it is already the third most common type of cancer. We support the best fundamental research worldwide to try to develop new treatment methods or cures. We receive requests from all over the world. Every euro that comes to us goes to research.”
Support from Nico is Extremely Welcome and Important
So far, the funding for Lymph & Co comes exclusively from the Netherlands, Van Oranje continues. “For our foundation, it is very important to gain exposure, so that people know what you do and what you stand for. That’s why the support from Nico is so welcome and important. As a driver, he has a large reach and Formula 1 as a sport is of course a global platform.”
He says he has no idea what Hülkenberg’s helmet will fetch, but the attention the action generates is just as important, he emphasizes. TV presenter and former rugby player JayJay Boske will auction the helmet on Sunday after the race in the Founders Lounge at the circuit. Before the race, Hülkenberg will drop in for a Q&A about the action, among other things.
Bid on Hülkenberg’s Dutch GP Helmet
People who want to place a bid in advance on Nico Hülkenberg’s Dutch GP helmet can do so by email, via: m.helle@lymph-co.com.
