A Paralympic athlete will speak at a Worcestershire business event this September which will focus on raising funds for two county charities.
Wheelchair middle-distance racer Mel Nicholls, who was a finalist at the London 2012 games and a World Championship silver medallist, has linked up with the Worcestershire Ambassadors who are hosting the event on 26 September at Hogarth’s Stone Manor near Kidderminster.
The lunch, which will also feature former RAF pilot and 1991 Gulf War prisoner of war, John Peters, will raise funds for the Worcester Community Trust and St Paul’s Hostel – charities which support those suffering from mental health issues caused by problems such as domestic violence and homelessness.
Kevin Powell, chair of the Worcestershire Ambassadors said: “We are focusing our efforts this year on raising awareness of mental health issues and supporting two fantastic charities which are linked to the issue.
“Our event in September is the chance for people to come along, network and have the rare opportunity to hear from two inspirational people like Mel and John. To have them attending is the icing on the cake and both have overcome so much during their lives. We hope as many people as possible will attend.”
Tickets for the event, which includes a drinks reception and a three-course meal, are priced at £40 per person. Readers can visit www.worcestershireambassadors.com or call 0794 6642559 for further information.
The Worcestershire Ambassadors has 250 members who have raised over £750,000 for local charities since it was formed 20 years ago. The organisation promotes life in the county, helping to encourage inward investment and develop the area’s economic prosperity.
The event takes place only weeks before the Ambassadors showpiece annual black-tie ball which will be held at West Midland Safari Park on 4 October.
Mel Nicholls, who was born in Gloucestershire, was involved in a car accident in 2001 which left her with life-changing injuries. John Peters, meanwhile, came to the world’s attention in 1991 after being captured by Iraqi forces with colleague John Nichol after their Tornado bomber was shot down during the Gulf War.