Australia bushfire appeal: F1 champion Lewis Hamilton pledges £380,000 and Shane Warne’s baggy green raises AU$1m

Hamilton grieves for defenceless animals

Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is the latest star from the world of sport to donate money towards the Australian bushfire appeal. 

British driver Hamilton has said he will pledge US$500,000 (£380,000) to charities affected by the fires, BBC Sport reports.

The 35-year-old’s donation will go to WIRES Wildlife Rescue, WWF Australia and the Rural Fire Service.

On Instagram, the Mercedes ace said: “It saddens me deeply to know that over 1 billion animals in Australia died a painful death, no way out, not their fault. 

“My love of animals is no secret and I can’t help but grieve for the defenceless animals thought to have died so far, pushing certain species closer to extinction.

Tennis stars rally to raise funds 

Melbourne is gearing up to host the Australian Open grand slam this month and many tennis stars have rallied to help raise funds for the bushfire crisis. 

Earlier this week it was announced that Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Roger Federer will play in a fundraising event on Wednesday 15 January - five days before the Australian Open starts. 

The “Rally for Relief” exhibition match will also feature Aussie star Nick Kyrgios and Australian Open women’s singles defending champion Naomi Osaka.

Meanwhile, Kyrgios will donate AU$200 (£106) for every ace he hits during events in Australia in January and world No.8 Belinda Bencic has also pledged AU$200 for every double fault. 

The 22-year-old Swiss said: “I’m not the best at hitting aces but much better at double faults.”

Serena auctions signed dress

American 23-time grand slam winner Serena Williams will auction a signed dress she wore during her first-round win at the Auckland Classic earlier this month. 

She said: “I have so many friends in Australia and it’s just been really tragic all around. I just keep asking every day to people back home or in Australia, what can I do? Is there anything I can do? It’s literally devastating for me and I’m sure a lot of other people feel the same way.” 

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––