A RACE day has been held to raise money for a snowsports charity who support injured veterans.

The event was organised by city councillor Chris Mitchell, who served in the army for 20 years and is the council's Armed Forces Champion.

The race day was a boost for the Armed Forces Para Snowsports Team (AFPST) which helps injured and sick military personnel and veterans.

Cllr Mitchell, who is a former skier, said: “I have always supported this charity. I am aiming to raise at least £4,000 today.

“I see these guys on the team out training and they are just amazing.

“It’s my aim to give something back to army skiing and also promote the city and Worcester Racecourse.

“It’s a fantastic event, it gets everyone together.”

As part of Cllr Mitchell's role, he offers support and raises awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant Partnership, which is an agreement that ensures veterans are treated fairly.

The Partnership brings together several charities, support workers and local government organisations to share experiences and knowledge of armed forces related issues.

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Cllr Mitchell, who covers St Clement’s ward, added: “We have doubled the amount of people who came last year. We have got 11 tables booked out in the marquee.

“It’s all about giving something back to service personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”

More than 100 people from the defence and local industry attended the race day at Pitchcroft yesterday (October 10).

The charity was represented at the racecourse by secretary, Major Elizabeth Wingfield, and Dan Sheen, a former soldier who now competes internationally in the Sit Ski event.

Major Wingfield shared inspiring stories about veterans who have played sport to help them mentally and physically.

During her speech, she said: “It’s been an epic few years and I’ve seen the power of sport that’s changed the lives of our veterans.

“Every penny raised today goes directly to our athletes.”

The AFPST charity is run by military and ex-military volunteers and aims to re-build self-confidence using the power of para-snowsports.

Last year’s armed forces annual event was in aid of Combat Stress.