We are delighted that John has joined our BRIT Ambassador family.
John is a Great Britain Bobsleigh athlete who has competed for Great Britain in the European Cup since 2020.
“I am delighted to be joining the BRIT Ambassador family to support young adult mental health in the UK. I am grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness of such a delicate and prominent issue that touches many of our lives.
There has been a steep increase in the mental health difficulties that young adults face over recent years and COVID-19 is compounding existing mental health challenges. Due to the current restrictions, many young adults are experiencing feelings of isolation and loneliness and it is particularly tough for those with disabilities and who are vulnerable.
The British Inspiration Trust (BRIT) are determined to support and improve young adult mental health and fitness throughout the UK. Their refreshing and innovative approach is to collaborate with, and unite, the Charity, Education and Sport sectors. This strategy has the potential to engage millions of Higher Education and Further Education students throughout the UK; by inviting every university and college to embrace the BRIT 2021 Challenge, more young adults will be able to participate wherever they are; at home or on campus.
This year, BRIT are partnering with PAPYRUS – Prevention of Young Suicide, Nightline Association, Student Minds and the Charlie Waller Trust. This means that all donations raised by the BRIT 2021 Challenge will be shared equally between five mental health charities who support students and young adults. It is great to see charities working together in such a positive way.
To deliver inspiration and encouragement, Olympians, Paralympians and sports personalities are being invited to join the BRIT Ambassador family. They are supporting universities and/or colleges of their choice to enter teams and inspire young adults and students to take part in the BRIT 2021 Challenge.
I would be thrilled to support students and staff at the University of Lincoln as they take on their BRIT 2021 Challenge.”
John is a Royal Air Force (RAF) aircraft engineer and runs the pilot role for GB Bobsleigh development team (BobTeamStanbridge) . Built from fellow military athletes, they have formed a team with the aim of competing on the international stage in the European Cup and working towards World Cup and World Championship places. With the ultimate goal of achieving Olympic Qualification.
GB Bobsleigh lost funding from UK Sport after the 2018 Winter Olympics and individual athletes are now left to seek funding from elsewhere in order to enable them to compete.
John’s crew consists of;
· GB Development and RAF Bobsleigh Pilot Cpl John Stanbridge
· GB 2014 Sochi Olympic and RAF Brakeman Cpl John Baines
· GB Development Brakeman SAC(T) Alex Cortes-Tankard
· GB Development and British Army Parachute Regiment Brakeman Jason Joseph
· RAF Brakeman SAC(T) Alex Cartagena
He spent the 2020/2021 season travelling over 8500 miles and competing in four European Cup races against some strong competition. The team's continued development over the coming seasons will enable them to challenge for future World Cup and World Championships; a strong performance there could be the gateway to the ultimate goal of performing at the Winter Olympics.
John made his debut representing Great Britain in 2020 at the IBSF European Cup in a double race at Winterberg, finishing 30th and 32nd among a World class field.
In early 2021, John competed again at the Europe Cup in Innsbruck and Konigssee where he finished 16th and 19th; surpassing the season goal of securing a Top 20 spot within a race and rounding off a very progressive and successful debut season.
To support the team, please visit their Go Fund Me website.
Social media;
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/johnstanners318/
Twitter- https://twitter.com/johnstanners318
For more information on the GB Bobsleigh and Skeleton Team, please visit their website.
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