Providing support to limbless and injured veterans for life
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, is dedicated to assisting serving and ex-Service men and women who have suffered life-changing limb loss or the use of a limb, an eye or loss of sight in the honourable service of our country.
Our Mission
To assist limbless veterans to lead independent and fulfilling lives
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, is an Armed Forces charity dedicated to assisting serving and ex-Service men and women who have suffered life-changing limbloss or the use of a limb, an eye or sight. We support these men and women in their communities throughout the UK.
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D Day Veteran Roy Hayward dies aged 99
Roy Hayward, one of the last surviving veterans from the D-Day Landings, has died peacefully, aged 99. Roy, who was celebrated as a national hero at the 80th anniversary of the landings attended by Prince William earlier this year, was just 19 when he joined the Allied invasion. He lost both his legs when the tank he was in took a direct hit as his unit pushed into Normandy from Gold Beach and Roy returned to his job working in a bank after rehabilitation from his injuries. He received a standing ovation at the commemoration in Portsmouth in June this year and was personally thanked by members of the Royal Family and senior figures for his service and sacrifice but he said with characteristic modesty: My wounds were a bit of bad luck and my thoughts are always with those who did not return home. Roy was awarded France’s highest military honour, the Legion d’Honneur Roy attended the 80th anniversary of D-Day and was personally thanked by members of the Royal Family Roy joined Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, after the war and represented its Members’ interests as Isle of Wight branch treasurer when he retired from the bank. “Roy was a remarkable person and he will be sadly missed by so many people,” said Vivienne Buck, chief executive of Blesma, which has championed the welfare of amputee veterans since the aftermath of WW1. “He was typical of that generation in that he did not complain or dwell on what had happened. He just got on with life and even commuted from his home in Surrey, cycling to his local station on rudimentary prosthetics to catch a train into London every day. “Roy’s first concern was always for others and he worked hard to represent Blesma Members during his time as a branch official. I know he took a lot of satisfaction in helping other amputees and veterans. “We were delighted to have known Roy at Blesma and honoured to have had him as a Member of our charity.” Roy, who was awarded France’s highest military honour, the Legion d’Honneur, rarely spoke about his part in D-Day but he joined the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry Tank Regiment as an 18-year-old as the Allies geared up for the invasion. His unit landed in the evening and were soon in the action and he was in a Sherman tank as they clashed with the 12th SS Panzer Division at Fontenay-le-Pesnel. His tank was hit by a shell and immediately started to burn. He managed to push a fellow crew member out and, despite horrific injuries, get himself clear before it was engulfed in flames. Roy was rescued by medics and had his legs amputated at a nearby field hospital before being shipped back to Portsmouth for extensive treatment and rehabilitation in four different hospitals. He joined Blesma and stated: “I got the feeling they were behind me and they were going to see I would get the pension and allowances I was entitled to that I might not have been able to do myself. I felt they were there on my side and always available, I didn’t need too much at first but it was good to know they were in your corner. It gave a feeling of confidence.” Roy met his wife Barbara at the bank and they married in 1948 before later settling at Seaview, on the Isle of Wight. Roy Hayward lost both his legs when the tank he was in took a direct hit as his unit pushed into Normandy from Gold Beach
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Don’t Suffer in Silence this Christmas
Christmas can be a challenging time for many, but you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re experiencing feelings of distress, struggling with loss, relationships, financial worries, or simply need someone to talk to, there is support available. Below is a list of organisations ready to help you navigate whatever you’re going through. Health & Mental Health Support Mind: 0300 123 3393 Shout (confidential text service): 85258 CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): 0800 585 858 No Panic: 0844 967 4848 PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide): 0800 068 4141 NHS (Non-emergency medical advice): 111 Bereavement & Loss Support Cruse Bereavement Care: 0808 808 1677 Bereavement: 0808 808 1677 Addiction Support Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 917 7650 Narcotics Anonymous: 0300 999 1212 Domestic Violence & Abuse Support Men's Adviceline: 0808 801 0327 Women's Adviceline: 0808 200 0247 Financial Support & Housing National Debt Helpline: 0808 808 4000 Shelter (Homelessness and housing advice): 0808 800 4444 Relationship Support Relate Relationship Support: 0300 003 0396 Elderly Support Age UK: 0800 678 1602 Samaritans freephone 116 123 ROI 1850 609090 (24/7) or email jo@samaritans.org – to access confidential emotional support for feelings of distress, despair or suicide thoughts https://togetherall.com/en-gb/ – a safe online service providing access to millions with anxiety, depression and other common mental health issues. Free for serving personnel, veterans, family members and carers Shout - a crisis text support service for people in the military community who are struggling and need immediate support to get through a crisis. Text CONTACT to 85258. #TextCONTACT85258 Forcesline telephone helpline: 0800 7314880 (Monday – Friday 10.30 – 19.30). For serving personnel, former members of the Armed Forces and their families NHS 111 - to access medical help fast but when it’s not a 999 emergency, telephone 111 (available 24 hours). To access information from the NHS on conditions, treatments, local services and healthy living following the link to NHS Choices Veterans UK - to seek information on claiming AFCS, Armed Forces Independence Payment, Medical Discharges and Pension Forecast Requests
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Time to get outside and enjoy the ride
Cycling has always been incredibly popular with members because of the chance to get outdoors and challenge yourself in the company of like-minded people. who else fancies a bit of this? The effort from pedaling the long and winding roads eased into the background as Blesma cyclists enjoyed a pub meal to celebrate their achievements. The humor and banter soon overcame tired, aching muscles during the ‘mini adventure’ in North Wales, which saw eight riders set off on four days of cycling through stunning scenery. Organized by Blesma member and keen cyclist Mitch Singleton, the trip provided the team with a unique opportunity to ride together and take in the sights along hand-picked routes around the region. With backdrops of outstanding natural beauty, including Anglesey and Puffin Island, the Great Orme above Llandudno, and Penrhyn and Caernarfon Castles, the week was an assault on the senses as well as the muscles. “I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it was a great way to meet up with Blesma friends and get to know new ones,” says Martin Kettrick, who attended with his wife, Christine. “The rides were of varying lengths—between 15 and 30 miles—across good terrain and roads.” The week catered for Members with a range of injuries The rides were of varying lengths – between 15 and 30 miles – across good terrain and roads “We had some fair climbs, which were challenging, but that was good because it brought out the team spirit, with everyone helping and encouraging each other. Teamwork is a major part of what these rides are all about, and it was great to be a part of that. “We had a fantastic support team: an ex-Royal Marine and a couple of former policemen who were really good lads and gave up their free time to help—they couldn’t do enough for us,” adds Martin, 67, from Staffordshire, who was severely injured in a climbing accident while in the Royal Marines. “I am a paraplegic and use a special hand-bike, and the rides were good for me, so I would recommend it to others. My bike, which is electric, has been a lifeline for me. I can still get out, go cycling, and enjoy the ride. I still have to pedal and work hard, but as I get older, the electric bike helps and means I can still do things like this rather than miss out. “It has certainly prolonged my cycling life and has meant I could be with the group and enjoy a really rewarding time out in the fresh air.” Three Epic Routes The team assembled on a Sunday at the Disabled Riding Centre in Llanfynydd, Flintshire, North Wales—a purpose-built horse riding centre for those with a disability, which was to be their base for the week. The first day took them from Hoylake to Chester along the Wirral Way onto the Millennium Greenway, while the second day featured the breathtaking Ystwyth Trail between Tregaron and Aberystwyth. With a rest day built into the program, the final cycling day followed the North Wales Coastal Route from Llanfairfechan to Caernarfon Castle. The stunning scenery of North Wales played host to Blesma’s most recent cycling adventure The team enjoyed incredible hospitality and evening meals at both the Dinorben Arms in Bodfari and the Cross Keys at Llanfynydd after their endeavors, but a highlight was fish and chips on the seafront at Aberystwyth after a long, hard day of cycling along the Ystwyth Trail in Mid Wales. “It was a tough week to organize, with a lot of logistical glitches, but we got there and had a good time,” says Mitch Singleton, a former Royal Marines Commando. “It was billed as a mini adventure and a chance to get away, and the riders certainly had the opportunity to go to new places and enjoy the stunning Welsh countryside. There were some spectacular views and places of interest along the routes.” “The great thing about it was that it brought people together. David Grant, at 32, was the youngest member there, with Craig Howorth the next ‘young man’ at 58, while our oldest cyclist was 67. It was great to watch these ‘old guys,’ myself included, turn into young men again. Listening to the banter and chirping between the group felt like we were 16 again, just joining the services on our first adventure. You are cycling with a group of like-minded people, all working to the same end and helping each other along the way “When you join any military service, you become part of a group. That gives you many obstacles throughout your career, but most importantly, it also brings many moments to treasure. Alongside this are the benefits to your physical and mental health. Here, you are cycling with a group of like-minded people, all working towards the same end: completing the route and helping each other along the way.” Something for Everyone Mitch, who lives in North Wales, is considering other cycling events for 2025 that offer opportunities for all types of riders, from beginners to those who are more experienced, as well as trips that might focus on sit-up bikes, hand-cycles, or recumbents, or accommodate wheelchairs. I still have to work hard, but as I get older the electric bike means i can still do things like this rather than miss out “There was some learning from this trip for me as an organizer, which we can get right for future events, and I strongly believe they will provide a great experience for Blesma members,” he adds. “We can change routes and venues, tweak things, and arrange events in different locations throughout the country. “It is a fantastic opportunity to meet and mix with friends new and old who have similar backgrounds and experiences. It is a real chance to get out and enjoy the countryside with some fantastic views, fully supported by a great team at HQ and the volunteers, who are so important. We couldn’t have put this event on without volunteers like Russ Humphreys. They are a special part of Blesma and really put themselves out to ensure members get the best from any activity. The first day took them from Hoylake to Chester along the Wirral Way onto the Millennium Greenway The final cycling day followed the North Wales Coastal Route from Llanfairfechan to Caernarfon Castle Giving Up Their Time Volunteers like former Royal Marine and firefighter Russ Humphreys played an integral role in the North Wales bike ride. “It was a great week despite one or two teething problems and the odd logistical challenge,” says the 65-year-old from Shrewsbury, who is a Blesma volunteer in the North West and regularly helps out with a number of activities. “Mitch asked if I would like to help out, and I jumped at the chance. I’ve been volunteering full-time for Blesma for about three years and help out with activities such as archery, clay pigeon shooting, and zip wire. “During the week, it was my role to load the bikes every morning and transport them to the daily start points, all prepped and ready to go for the members to start their day. I’d meet them along the route for refreshment stops before loading up at the end of the ride and driving the bikes back to the accommodation. “There is so much organization that goes on behind the scenes to put on an event like this, and Mitch did a great job. I think we’ve all learned a lot from it, and that experience will help make future events even better. “The riders had a good week, and many of them are looking forward to future events. Hopefully, experiences like this will attract other members. There is definitely a lot of enthusiasm for more cycling events around the country.” Sign up to the Activities email newsletter to stay up to date with all the events. Email eventscal@blesma.org and ask to be added to the subscription list.
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Get Involved
Across the UK, thousands of people are doing their bit to help
Whether you want to organise a big fundraiser in a group, take part in a Charity Event, complete a Charity Challenge on your own, or get your company involved in raising money for our limbless veterans, then go to our fundraising pages where you will find all the information you need, as well as events you can be part of.
