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2024

The Blesma News for 2024 covering news, activities and fundraising events for limbless veterans. 

  • “I am not prepared to be unhealthy again"

    A male bodybuilder poses on stage with his back to the camera, flexing his arms in a double biceps pose.     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

    Cayle Royce and Neil Heritage     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”

    Blesma members on a ski trip     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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  • Ryan Thomas served in the Royal Navy when his aorta ruptured, causing a life-changing stroke

    Ryan     8 May 2024

    Ryan Thomas was a Surgeon Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy when his aorta ruptured causing a life-changing stroke. his wife, Liz, left her career to steer their young family through whatever came next. Fast, cool and wow!” Ryan Thomas’ face lights up with a smile as he recalls the sweeping runs of La Plagne and the challenge of improving his sit-ski technique. “The food and hotel were great, too. It was all so good.” Ryan has aphasia so his speech is not fluent, but the joy that radiates from him as he talks is obvious. He has recently come back from Blesma’s s

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