Dear Amy,
July 18, 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the unfolding tragedy of your death in Germany along with the horrific injuries inflicted on your team mates. This occurred as the result of a speeding, out of control vehicle, driven by an 18 year old German girl, ploughing into the Aussie riders as they were out on their training ride before competition began the next day for the Tour of Thuringen.
I don't know how I have managed to survive 20 years without you. In the beginning I didn't know how I could even survive the next day! But somehow I have .....
Then came the messages of love, support and compassion from all across the world. To experience such kindness is truly humbling and it was all of that collective kindness which helped me navigate those grief sodden weeks which have subsequently turned into years.
Then came the Amy Gillett Foundation, now Amy's Foundation - Safe Together. This is an amazing legacy of your short life which has already achieved so much with more to come! I am truly blessed to have so many committed, driven people who believe in the Foundation's mission and work relentlessly at achieving safety for all road users but particularly vulnerable road users.
The Foundation gave my grief such a focus in enabling me to live my life with a sense of purpose again.
I clearly remember one of your goals in your sporting career was to "NEVER GIVE UP" and I want to encourage others to follow that mantra because together we can achieve great outcomes around road safety.
The road toll is distressing and my heart goes out to all who will suffer the resulting grief due to the death of a loved one on our roads.
We all have a part to play in reducing the road toll by adhering to road rules and showing some generosity of spirit on our journeys so everyone can arrive alive!
My last words to you are ... please keep riding those rainbows - there are many of us looking out for you.
Lastly my precious Amy, remember you will always be loved, always remembered and always longed for.
Your loving mother,
Mary
Amy Gillett (nee Safe)
9 January 1976 – 18 July 2005
