The special 'heart' helmet - autographed by the seven times world champion - was used during his home Italian GP at Mugello in June 2007. Designed by Aldo Drudi, only three were ever made - one of which was thrown into the crowd by Rossi after winning the race.

Proceeds of the sale will be donated to the non-profit organisation 'Un sogno per il Gaslini Onlus' association ('A dream for Gaslini Children's Hospital').

The eBay auction is scheduled to begin at 12.00pm on Thursday, 22 November and will end at the same time on Tuesday, 27 November. The bidding will start at €1 (one euro) and direct access to the eBay page can be found via www.dainese.com.

The 'Un sogno per il Gaslini Onlus' association was started to help in the completion of a new unit at Genoa's Giannina Gaslini hospital, Italy's largest children's hospital.

As well as helping a worthy cause, the winning bidder will receive the helmet from Rossi himself in early December!