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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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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Sharing 90 years of knowledge
Blesma members are helping Ukraine’s injured service personnel start to come to terms with living with limb loss. In April, Blesma magazine went along to the groundbreaking new project’s first face-to-face meeting in London. Ukrainian charities have thanked Blesma for providing a huge boost to their morale and knowledge after taking part in a groundbreaking collaborative project. The innovative idea, called Conversations: Розмови has paired Blesma Members with Ukrainian soldiers who are coming to terms with life after sustaining serious battlefield injuries. The opportunity for them to share their experiences and gain confidence to live independent and fulfilling lives has been hailed around the world for its impact on the beleaguered nation, which has recorded some 60,000 civilian and military amputees since the Russian invasion two years ago. The project has featured a series of online and in-person sessions with Blesma Members Mark Ormrod, Stephan van Niekerk, Darren Swift, Hari Budha Magar, Wali Noori, Colin Branch and Stu Pearson. In April, they were joined by six members of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including two who were about to take part in the TCS London Marathon. In-Person Workshop with Blesma Members and Ukrainian Marines Couch, the Ukrainian veteran Slava, is sharing his experience “I’d like to express my personal gratitude for your help in organising the meeting of our veterans in London,” wrote Olena Schmidt, President of the Citizen Charity Foundation, which campaigns to secure equipment and expertise for Ukrainian amputees and to raise awareness of the country’s continuing struggle. “From the team at the foundation, I am sending a letter of thanks to the entire Blesma team.” She added that the collaboration, which has been facilitated by The Drive Project, has supported the Ukrainian soldiers involved and generated vital knowledge and understanding that will be shared with other injured military veterans. “The aim of the project was for everybody to learn from one another whilst acknowledging and appreciating that these experiences would be different” The project was launched last November with an online link-up and was followed up with this in-person session before the London Marathon. Both sessions gave Ukrainian amputees vital insight into how to cope, both physically and psychologically, with limb loss. “When Blesma asked us to design a project that used the experiences and stories of its Members to support Ukrainians, we spent a long time considering what would be most useful for everyone involved,” says Grace Staniland, director of The Drive Project. “We wanted to keep it simple but make it impactful, bearing in mind the need for translators. Having worked with Blesma Members for a number of years we know how inspiring their stories are. For the project, we needed to ensure that we created a space in which everyone’s story was equal. Facilitated a conversation between Blesma members and Ukrainian veterans “The Ukrainians are living through a live conflict and as a result their recovery journeys are very different from Blesma Members’ experiences. The aim of the project was for everybody to learn from one another whilst acknowledging and appreciating that these experiences would be different. During the online and in-person workshops, we set up exercises and facilitated conversations for everyone to share what they hoped would be useful; from personal stories to small, manageable life tools that could be useful in everyday life. These were supportive spaces where everyone was open to listening, being curious and humble, and learning.” When the veterans met face to face at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London, they were able to discuss their military and personal experiences. “We see you guys as being very courageous. We are definitely starting a relationship and we are comrades, brothers in arms. Long may this continue” Darren Swift “It is a very worthwhile project to be involved in and I can only see it growing. It gives us a great sense of worth,” Blesma Member Darren Swift told the group on the day. “We are all amputees and we share a lot of similarities, but there are some stark differences. You guys have become injured and your country is still in conflict, whereas we were very fortunate that we went away to conflict and came back to relatively peaceful countries. “We see you guys as being very courageous. We are definitely starting a relationship and we are comrades, brothers in arms. Long may this continue.” Forming vital connections Blesma member Stu Pearson and Ukrainian marine Heorhii Ukrainian Marine Oleksii Ukrainian Marines Oleksii and Heorhii, who were both seriously wounded fighting against Russian invasion forces, said the connection was vital to their rehabilitation process, and that the knowledge and advice from Blesma Members would radiate around Ukraine’s amputee community. “Whilst we couldn’t represent everyone’s stories from either the UK or Ukraine, every story has value,” says Grace. “This project is about sharing lived experiences to raise awareness of living with limb loss and disability, and to share ideas on how to motivate oneself to get back to life. Hopefully, this is just the very first chapter in the story of shared experiences from Blesma Members and their Ukrainian friends.” Tony Bloomfield, Blesma’s Operations Director, adds: “The project has been a considerable success, and it has been a humbling experience to witness the participants’ journeys. The number of Ukrainian people to have lost limbs since the Russian invasion is around 60,000, and to make a comparison Blesma has helped around 65,000 Members throughout its 90-year history. “Ukraine is facing a monumental challenge that will resonate through the nation for years and generations to come. We’ve been able to offer psychological support and are helping with resources. Our Members have already experienced what these people are going through and, in typical Blesma style, have been delighted to help.” “Hopefully, this is just the very first chapter in the story of shared experiences from Blesma Members and their Ukrainian friends” If you are a Blesma Member and would like to find out more about how you can get involved in the programme going forward, please send an email to info@blesma.org to register your interest.
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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.
