2024
The Blesma News for 2024 covering news, activities and fundraising events for limbless veterans.
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One phone call changed everything
2 July 2024
Cyril Crampin had no idea that he was entitled to a war pension until he spoke to Blesma decades after he was injured. To show his gratitude, he decided he would include the association in his will. A newspaper advert caught Cyril Crampin’s eye as he approached retirement. The former Royal Army Service Corps soldier responded to a Blesma advert offering advice about accessing a disabled rail card, but instead Cyril ended up getting help to correct a 36-year injustice after he was injured during National Service. That phone call led to Blesma
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“I am not prepared to be unhealthy again"
7 June 2024
Ciaran Muir pretty much hit rock bottom when he realized that amputation meant giving up the military career he loved. Then he started to build himself up, one rep at a time. Former Infantryman Ciaran Muir was crowned a world champion in a whirlwind three months towards the end of last year. He entered his first bodybuilding competition and soon become not only the British champ, but also the best in the world. For the 33-year-old, who lost his right leg in an IED blast on his first tour of Afghanistan, it was the culmination of a rem
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Blesma Members Cayle Royce and Neil Heritage take a 2,000km expedition into the unknown
2 June 2024
Sheer cliffs, snow-capped mountains, dense rainforests and treacherous glacial currents keep the senses on full alert as Members Cayle Royce and Neil Heritage kayak the 2,000km along the Canadian and Pacific North West coastline. They often spend their days paddling with killer whales and seals for close company, 100kg of kit crammed into their finely-balanced kayaks, while wolves and grizzly bears roam the nearby forests and shores, making setting up camp each n
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Paul Fisher: “This trip with Blesma has inspired me”
13 May 2024
Keen skier Paul Fisher enjoyed the thrill of the slopes after more than 15 years’ absence thanks to the winter sports week in La Plagne in January. “I thought I would neve
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