Sport In Profile UK Issue 18 | Page 7

True Heroes Racing “We sponsored Michael Russell in his previous team and continued to support him when he made the move to True Heroes. They are doing well and we’d like to encourage them to keep doing what they are doing and also to wish them the best of luck for the future.” Stephen Swann, HS Bags Custom Made Bags, Slip Covers & Padded Bags Customer branding is our speciality Satchel, Messenger bag NEW Flexi Pal Label Rigging Gloves CNC cutting If you are in need of a bag or soft case, please contact us for a quote. T: 01945 738030 M: 07756 412689 W: www.hsbags.co.uk | E: [email protected] 15D Regal Road, Wisbech, PE13 2RQ Proud Sponsors Of True Heroes Racing we could launch and provide that critical close air support to them as soon as possible. Unfortunately, it also became common place for us to scramble our jets to provide air support to life threatening casualty extraction missions as well.” As a keen motorcyclist Phil wanted to combine the contacts he’d built up fundraising for various UK Military charities after his return from Afghanistan, with the military ethos of working as a team in the high adrenaline and pressurised sport of motorcycle racing. The concept was to offer unique opportunities for WIS UK Service personnel and Veterans to become directly involved in all roles within competitive motorcycle racing as a way of regaining a focus and sense of direction during and after their rehabilitation; but also to prove to themselves, as much as the wider audience, that their Life Changing injuries don’t have to be Life Limiting. And in 2012 Phil formed True Heroes Racing to do just that. The team has enabled riders with life changing injuries to race specially adapted motorcycles on a level playing field against able bodied racers. The organisation also invites and hosts members of the Armed Forces from local rehabilitation units and military establishments, to join them as 7 Issue 15 their guests, track-side at various rounds of the British Superbike Championships where they’re competing. This outlet provides rehabilitation support to WIS personnel, enabling them to get up close to the modified motorcycles, experience just what is still possible and enjoy the high-octane, adrenaline-fuelled world of superbike racing. As well as at the same time providing a more holistic approach to rehabilitation, where individuals are re-introduced to people and public www sportip biz 7