Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, is excited to announce our first TV commercial showcasing our continued support for veterans. 

Founded in the aftermath of World War I, Blesma has always been dedicated to supporting British veterans. Our new 30-second advert highlights that veterans are humans as well as heroes. 
 
It shows former Royal Marines Commando and Afghanistan veteran Mark Ormrod, the first UK triple amputee to survive on the battlefield, facing action of a Daddy Day Care kind as he changes a nappy. A playful voice-over by Marc Silk emphasizes, “They just want to live their lives, no heroics needed.” 

The father-of-three gets sprayed by ‘friendly fire’ as he wrestles with the everyday task in a scene that resonates with all parents. 

“Changing nappies is hard enough when you have all your limbs available,” says Mark, who was injured by an IED in 2007. “The advert is light-hearted but it has a powerful message because it shows that life goes on after an injury and that Blesma is there for us veterans for life.

Changing nappies is hard enough when you have all your limbs available

Mark Ormrod

“Most people cannot relate to being an amputee but they can relate to being a parent and the struggles of changing a nappy. Hopefully, lots of people will see the advert and understand the importance of Blesma’s life-time commitment to its members.”

 At Blesma, our mission is to help limbless veterans lead independent and fulfilling lives. We’ve transformed the lives of thousands of veterans and have been at the forefront of important medical research and insights that benefit the NHS and the general public.

“Our members are humans as well as being heroes and we wanted to show that in the advert,” says Vivienne Buck CBE, Blesma’s Chief Executive. “We support them with anything that improves their ability to live independently and be a full part of their family, have careers and enjoy hobbies, and we support them for life. 
  
“This advert reminds people of their heroics but it will make them think about the support they need for the everyday parts of life, things that most of us take for granted.”

The TV commercial, which premiered on August 27 and will run for six months, is part of Blesma’s campaign to encourage legacy donations and fundraising. 
  
Blesma Chairman Lieutenant General Ed Davis, a former Commandant General of the Royal Marines, adds: “Injured veterans have sacrificed a lot for us and their country and we need to make sure we can generate the funds to continue support this great community.” 

Find out how leaving a Gift in your Will to Blesma can make a difference: https://blesma.org/legacy/.