A FORMER serviceman from Swindon who lost both his legs after an explosion in Afghanistan finished in first place at the para-bobsleigh World Cup in New York.

Corie Mapp, who is supported by Help for Heroes’ Sports Recovery programme, took to the ice in the World Cup series at Lake Placid and will now head to competitions in Europe in the New Year to further his world cup standings.

Corie said: "I have had four races and had podiums in three of the four races.

"In my eyes this is massive success, and what I set out to do.

"A massive thank you to Help for Heroes for supporting me in this way.

“There is still work to be done as I will now move in to Europe in second place in the World Cup standings.

"I believe in my heart I can win the World Cup this season and be European Champion."

The former Lance Corporal competed in the inaugural World Cup series in 2014, in which he made history by winning the first-ever para bobsleigh World Cup Gold medal in Igls, Austria.

Corie lost both legs when his military vehicle ran over an explosive device in Afghanistan in 2010.

The explosion resulted in his left leg being completely severed, while his right leg later had to be amputated.

He also had severe injuries to his left hand, a collapsed lung and a broken jaw.

Help for Heroes has been involved with Sports Recovery since 2008, and in the past year alone have put on 300 events across 50 different sports enabling over 2,100 wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans to take part in adaptive sports from grassroots through to performance level.

Help for Heroes works in partnership with the British Paralympic Association to help introduce and support military athletes in Paralympic sport.

To find out more about Help for Heroes’ Sports Recovery Programme, visit www.helpforheroes.org.uk or follow @H4H_SR on Twitter.