Image: Supplied.

Five-time WorldSBK champion Jonathan Rea has raised over $29,000 AUD for bushfire relief in Australia after auctioning a one-off helmet that he wore at Phillip Island’s opener.

Rea has joined a list of motorsport stars to raise money for the country after wildfires ravaged the east coast of Australia this summer, with the amount raised going towards BlazeAid – a charity of volunteers working with farmers in bushfire affected areas.

Designed by legendary Italian designer Aldo Drudi at the request of Rea and his Australian wife Tatia, who grew up on the Island, the helmet is a colourful art piece with lyrical renditions of koalas, kangaroos and flowers and symbols from the Australian bush.

“It was so difficult being at home in Northern Ireland and watching the fires from afar,” said Rea. “We have a beautiful mountain property in Wandiligong that came under threat with the fire burning in Abbeyard near Bright in the Alpine region in North East Victoria.

“My wife Tatia’s parents were staying there when police told them they should vacate. We felt helpless and scared, so I decided that I would race in Australia with a special helmet design and sell it after to donate the money to a worthwhile cause.

“The WorldSBK organisation got involved with BlazeAid and with this platform, we can auction the helmet. When I spoke to Aldo, who has designed my helmets for the last few years, and we came up with this cool concept.”