Business supports veterans

A dinner in Edinburgh last night in aid of Britain’s next paralympics hopefuls raised £12,000.

The money raised will help send the British parasnowsport team to the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang Korea.

The event, sponsored by Daily Business, Capital Document Solutions, BD Xchange, iMultiply Resourcing, and Mazars, featured two former soldiers injured in active service.

Owen Pick and Darren Swift, who have become successful snowboarders in spite of their injuries, addressed 120 diners at The Place hotel.

Owen said: “We love doing what we do and have so much passion for our sport and it’s only with the support from businesses and individuals that we can keep this dream alive.”

A five man and one woman team of snowboarders and skiers hope to take to the slopes in a sporting first in the category.

Owen, who lost a leg from below the knee on an army tour in Afghanistan said of going to Korea: “It would be a dream. It’s like training for your whole life and then getting there. Knowing that it’s all for a good reason and we made the right choice.”

Team mates Ben Moore, Cassie Cava, and James Barnes-Miller helped with the auction and prizes donated included a rare fusion whisky, a deerstalking trip, a Michelin starred dining experience, and an exclusive event on the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Double amputee Darren lost his legs below the knee working with a dog handling unit in Belfast and has been competing in snowboard events for more than 20 years

“I always get told I can’t do something. If you say that then I’m determined to do it,” he said.

“Sport for a lot of people who become disabled can be your saviour, it can prove to you that you’re capable. We’re all really close in the team and we would all like to come back with a chest full of medals.

“Support from the business community has been brilliant.”