MICHAEL Schumacher’s fans around the world are praying for his recovery as they mark the fourth anniversary of his tragic ski accident today.
Michael SchumacherGETTY
How is Michael Schumacher doing? Fans mark 4th anniversary of Schumacher's ski accident
Schumacher crashed on the slopes and hit his head on a rock while out skiing with his son in the French Alps on December 29 2013.
Four years on from the ski accident, those close to the F1 champion remain tight-lipped on his painfully slow recovery.
Although Schumacher’s family have thanked his fans for their immense support, they have fiercely defended his privacy and right to recover in peace.
Last week Schumacher’s son Mick marked the first anniversary of the Keep Fighting initiative, which was inspired by Schumacher.
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He posted on Instagram: “For many years, our family has received positive energy from people who feel inspired by my father.
“We want to channel this energy into a force that does good by helping in areas my dad has always supported.”
Schumacher’s daughter also often posts inspirational messages on social media using the moving hashtag #keepfighting.
Earlier this week, French sports magazine L’Equipe’s front cover vowed “we will not forget you”. But the magazine shed little light on his current condition.
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Seven time F1 World Champion, Michael Schumacher is one of the greatest to have driven a racing car.
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Michael Schumacher at the Belgium Grand Prix in 1991 1 of 17
Michael Schumacher at the Belgium Grand Prix in 1991
Michael Schumacher at the Belgium Grand Prix in 1991
Young Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher during a photoshoot in 1991
Michael Schumacher celebrates his victory in the Monaco Grand Prix in 1994
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Michael Schumacher reitres
Just over a year ago, Schumacher’s manager Sabine Kehm said the family were launching the Keep Fighting initiative to encourage people inspired by Schumacher's career "to keep fighting and never give up”.
"Michael's health is not a public issue, and so we will continue to make no comment in that regard," she said at the time.
"We have to protect his intimate sphere. Legally seen and in the longer term, every statement related to his health would diminish the extent of his intimate sphere."
Last month wife Corinna reiterated her beloved husband’s right to privacy as he continues on his long road to recovery.
Mick Schumacher pays tribute to Michael Schumacher
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In statement, she told reporters: “The decision to protect his privacy from the public has been taken in Michael's interest.”
The seven-time F1 champion received catastrophic brain injuries during the crash four years ago at the French resort of Meribel.
He was airlifted from the slopes, placed in a medically induced coma and cared for at Grenoble University Hospital at the foot of the French Alps.
In June 2014 it was confirmed that Schumacher was no longer in a coma and that he had been moved to a hospital in Lausanne near his home in Switzerland.
In September 2014 the F1 legend returned home to house on the shores of Lake Geneva to continue rehabilitation for extensive head injuries.
SchumacherGetty
How is Michael Schumacher doing? Fans mark 4th anniversary of Schumacher's ski accident
A statement at the time said: "Considering the severe head injuries he suffered, progress has been made in the past weeks and months. There is still, however, a long and difficult road ahead."
In 2015, Schumacher's manager said his condition was improving "considering the severeness of the injury he had."
The Schumacher family sued German magazine Bunte over a December 2015 story that falsely claims that the F1 champion could walk again.
His family’s lawyer, Felix Damm, told a court in Germany that the seven-time F1 champion “cannot walk”, even with the aid of therapists.
In 2015 Mrs Schumacher sued three German tabloids over reports that he has had begun to speak again and was undergoing specially-designed therapy.