We are the only national Service charity that supports limbless veterans for the duration of their lives, offering financial and emotional support to them and their families. Since WW1 we have worked tirelessly to guarantee that our limbless veterans are not failed, forgotten or to left to fend for themselves.
Jon Bryant OBE - Chief Executive
Jon Bryant OBE - Chief Executive
Job title: Chief Executive
Jon Bryant OBE assumed the role of Blesma The Limbless Veteran’s Chief Executive on March 23rd 2020.
He has joined the Association during a time of unprecedented change, which will no doubt pose great challenges, while still presenting unique opportunities for Blesma’s strong sense of community to shine through. His first task will be to ensure that Blesma is able to support Members as effectively as possible through the Covid-19 crisis.
Jon joined the Association from his role as the Corps Colonel of the Army Air Corps, where he has delivered a wide range of support to serving personnel and veterans. In a varied career Jon has served as an aviator and staff officer in the Commando, Airmobile and Air Assault brigades. He also commanded a Lynx helicopter squadron, and Apache regiment, the Joint Helicopter Force in Afghanistan and the Army Aviation Centre at Middle Wallop.
As a former military charity Trustee and Chair, Jon has experience of governance, fundraising and service delivery to beneficiaries, all of which will serve him well in his executive role at the helm of the Association.
Tony Bloomfield - Operations Director
Tony Bloomfield - Operations Director
Job Title: Operations Director
Tony Bloomfield assumed the role of Operations Director at Blesma in March 2014.
He joined Blesma as the Associate Director of Fundraising following a spell at Blind Veterans. He brings to the Association a wealth of experience, having worked in fundraising, service provision and communications for charities and organisations involved in dementia, neurology, and post-natal depression, as well as liaising with clinical commissioners and All Party Parliamentary Groups to further their causes and raise funds.
Boston Mwense - Finance and Support Director
Boston Mwense - Finance and Support Director
Job title: Finance and Support Director
Boston Mwense joined Blesma as Head of Finance in 2018. His role as Finance and Support Director encompasses various activities including facilitating the rolling five-year strategic plan, ensuring effective strategic and operational financial planning, monitoring and reporting to enhance the decision making process of Blesma and to ensure compliance with all statutory and external requirements and regulations; liaising with external auditors, budgetary monitoring and managing legacies; leading a team that delivers efficient and effective financial, HR , IT and logistic support services to Blesma staff and membership.
Boston studied Accounting and Finance at university, completing his accountancy exams in 1998, and is now a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in the UK.
Boston enjoys spending time with his family and taking part in his many hobbies which include running (from park runs to marathon), playing chess, writing, singing as part of a quartet for St Albans Choir and watching football as a dedicated Chelsea FC supporter. During Boston’s spare time he is involved in voluntary work both for underprivileged children and the lonely and isolated, which he finds very fulfilling.