Mandip Sehmi has accepted an invitation to become patron of Old Leamingtonians RFC Rugby4Heroes which supports many armed forces charities through event fundraising. He will fulfill the new role alongside existing Patron BBC explorer, television presenter and public speaker - Monty Halls.
Mandip Sehmi who suffered a spinal cord injury in the summer of 2000 in a road traffic accident, now diagnosed as Teteraplegic and now a full time wheelchair rugby player and member of Stoke Mandeville Storm and the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby squad who came 5th at London 2012.
Mandip explains “The highlight of my career so far has to be the 2012 London Paralympics. Being selected for a Paralympics is huge honour, to represent your country at the highest sporting level is what every athlete trains for. A home games made it even more special, I’m very proud to have taken part. After narrowly missing out on a medal my hunger and desire to gain one has fuelled my training even more, I hope to be selected for Rio 2016 and I hope my team can come back with a medal.
It’s hoped that Mandip’s role with the OLRFC Rugby4Heroes team will inspire a new generation of supporters, rugby and wheelchair rugby players, at one of the country’s best charity event teams.
Mandip says “I was introduced to Rugby4Heroes and 353 by OLRFC Rugby4Heroes founder Mike Vallance. After an entertaining evening at last years ball I realised that this was a great cause and I wanted to help out in anyway I could. I was honoured to become a Patron for the OLRFC Rugby4Heroes. I am so grateful for the men and women in our armed forces, who keep us safe in Great Britain. OLRFC Rugby4Heroes and 353 help make people aware of the sacrifices made by people in our armed forces and their families, giving support wherever needed.”
Event co-organiser, Gaz Nash said: "We are delighted and privileged that Mandip has become Patron of Old Leamingtonians RFC Rugby4Heroes. He has been a great supporter of Rugby4Heroes over the last 12 months, promoting us and being a Rugby4Heroes ambassador. We look forward to welcoming him and his teammates to the ball on Saturday.”
Saturday (26th October) sees the 2nd annual OLRFC Rugby4Heroes charity ball at the Warwickshire Golf and Country Club with a ‘Masquerade’ theme. It is hoped that an evening of fantastic fun, marvelous music, fine food and charitable donations will help raise money for both 353 and Help for Heroes.
Six years ago, a group of rugby players and supporters at Old Leamingtonians RFC, with connections to the Armed Forces, decided to organise an all day Festival of rugby and music for charity. The day was a huge success and featured Men’s, Ladies, and Mini and Junior Rugby.
Five years on and over £26,000 has been raised from our annual rugby and music festival and black tie balls for Help for Heroes, 353, The Royal British Legion and a range of other forces charities.
More info on Mandip and Old Leamingtonians RFC Rugby4Heroes can be found at www.rugbyforheroes.org
