NEW ERA FOR MISSION MOTORSPORT AS CHARITY CELEBRATES 14 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE

• Founder James Cameron steps back; Alex Atherton appointed Managing Director

Today, to mark the charity’s 14th birthday this week, and after our hugely successful National Transition Event held at Silverstone on Monday, Mission Motorsport can announce news of some significant changes and of the start of a new era for the Armed Forces Motorsport Charity.

It is remarkable in any area of charity work or in the world of business for any organisation’s Founder to steer it through fourteen consecutive years of growth, yet that is what James Cameron has achieved. The respected founder of Mission Motorsport has announced he will stand down from his role as CEO and, after taking a well-deserved sabbatical, he will then take up a non-executive role as Founder and Advocate for Mission Motorsport and for its advocacy arm, Mission Community.

The Trustees are proud to announce that today Alex Atherton will take up the position as our Managing Director at Mission’s HQ near Wantage, to oversee all elements of the charity’s development. Atherton joins from a recent career in the commercial sector and will work with the Board of Trustees to build on success and develop every aspect of the charity’s work. Alex served in HM Armed Forces, rising to Lt Col in the Royal Logistic Corps, before moving into the world of business, having greatly enjoyed his 20-year Army career.

Mission Motorsport was created to help those who have served the nation and their families. Using sporting engagement as a tool, over 18,500 beneficiaries have directly participated in the charity’s sports recovery programme, with many more supported through its work in British industry. For example, 1,600 veterans have found new careers with one automotive employer alone – Jaguar Land Rover, and the charity now spearheads further government initiatives to help the armed Forces community into growth areas including Clean Energy and Manufacturing. 

In 2011, James returned from commanding the Armoured Group in Afghanistan determined to support those whose lives had been impacted by military service. His vision has had wide impact – from accessible recovery sport which inspires and engages, to the extraordinary annual platforms of Race of Remembrance and the National Transition Event.  

As the charity enters its 15th year, the team looks forward to building on these foundations as the charity evolves to meet the future needs of the Armed Forces community. James’ passion for this work will continue and his presence as Founder & Advocate at our events will remain a valuable part of our work. 

Comments from the Chair of Trustees, James Cameron and Alex Atherton are here: 
 

Christopher Tate, Chair of Trustees of Mission Motorsport 

“Today marks an exciting new beginning for our charity, looking forward to the years ahead. And it is very much the day to say thank you to James for all his devotion to this remarkable cause. His years of effort have built this small charity to a point where its reputation and successes belie the actual size of the team that delivers it all, and the amount of funding we work with. Now, with Alex Atherton taking up the reins, we embark on the next stage of our mission to serve every British military veteran who seeks our help as best we can in both Mission Motorsport, and in Mission Community. It is vitally important that this country makes best use of such a valuable national resource as our veteran community. Our great thanks to James and a warm welcome to Alex”.

James Cameron, Founder, Mission Motorsport

“I’ve long thought how privileged I have been to work in the service of the community that I love. To innovate and serve alongside some extraordinary people has been immensely rewarding, from the small ‘wins’ for those on a personal journey, to the deep gratitude I feel for the generosity of our supporters and volunteers who have shared in the ‘Mission’. There is much still to do – I’m delighted to welcome Alex, a long-time supporter of the charity’s work who will bring immense value to a passionate, diverse and talented team who consistently go above and beyond in their work. This next chapter is exciting. It sees me able to focus on advocacy and helping the Board ensure that our impact continues to anticipate, support and champion the needs of those who have served the country, and their families”.

Alex Atherton, Managing Director, Mission Motorsport:

“It is a real privilege to step into this role and to build on the extraordinary success that James and the entire team have achieved over the last 14 years. Mission Motorsport and Mission Community have already changed so many lives, and as we move into this next chapter, I’m committed to ensuring we continue to deliver the best possible support to the armed forces veteran community. I look forward to working with the incredible in-house team, with our dedicated volunteers, and with the wider community as we embark on the next exciting chapter”