Meet the Team

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.

Ian Harper - Director Independence and Wellbeing

Job Title: Director Independence and Wellbeing

Ian Harper is Blesma’s new Director Independence and Wellbeing, having started with Blesma in January 2021.

He joined the Army in 1977 and began a 30-year career, initially serving in the Royal Regiment of Wales and then the Royal Army Medical Corps. Between serving in each regiment, Ian spent nine years in the commercial world, during which he completed an MBA and an MA in marketing.

“I had wanted to join the Army for as long as I could remember. My father and brothers all served, as did my grandad, who had fought in World War I and was wounded at the Somme, losing his left leg. Being in the Army was part of my family’s DNA,” says Ian.

Ian became a soldier before he received his A-Level results, starting his military career at the training depot at Lichfield. He went to Beaconsfield for leadership training, completed a selection course at Westbury, then joined RMA Sandhurst in 1978 to train as an officer. Following that deployment, Ian spent two years as a Boot Camp Instructor at Crickhowell in Wales before taking up the role of Regimental Training Officer, and subsequently the Mortar Officer, in Germany. He was then assigned to the Royal Signals after which he joined the Gurkhas in Hong Kong in 1998. At the age of 33, Ian applied to go to university and completed an MBA, gaining significant experience in several marketing, business development and recruitment jobs. Ian then rejoined the Army as a Medical Planning Officer and was assigned to the MoD in Whitehall.

"Now, in Blesma, I hope my experiences and knowledge can be used to help Members, especially those in need and distress. Being a veteran, I feel it is my duty to serve those who have given so much – often nearly everything – for our country."

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

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.