FREEMASONS are supporting a disabled wheelchair racer to help him achieve his dream of winning more medals for Britain.

Andy Bracey, 42, who lives in Southend, is already proving to be a medal winner for his wheelchair racing having earned two silver and two bronze medals at the Invictus Games in Orlando in the United States in 2016. His performance improved last year and he was successful in clinching four silver medals at the games in Toronto, Canada last year.

Despite being a successful winner, Mr Bracey covers all funding himself, and now needs to raise £4,000 to cover extensive training in Spain before taking part in trials in Switzerland in May. The trials will help him prepare against the best competitors in the world in more international competitions.

The Wheel of Fellowship Freemasons lodge in Maldon and Southend has already donated £200 to Mr Bracey’s cause, with more donations expected soon.

Mr Bracey, who was in the Territorial Army and had served many tours in Kenya, was injured in a motorcycle crash during leave in 2005.

He had been out on his motorbike when he was struck by a van that failed to stop, leaving him to suffer severe spinal injuries.

After several unsuccessful operations on his spine he was confined to a wheelchair, and was told he would never walk again.

He thought at the time that his life was over.

With support from his family – particularly his three step daughters - he discovered wheelchair basketball and quickly progressed with help from friends to wheelchair racing.

However the accident has made him more determined that this life changing disability will spur him on to greater things.

Mr Bracey said the donation from the Freemasons would go a long way to assist his training. He said: “I can achieve a top speed of 18 mph at the moment, my aim is to reach 24.5 mph and this can only be done with extensive training. Unfortunately most disabled athletes don’t attract funding.

“I am grateful for the support I’ve received so far from Essex Freemasons.”