Their Story

Jerome was appointed the charity’s General Secretary in 2000. Over the years since, he has helped steer the organisation through a period of great and often unpredictable change and national conflict.

“I’m from a naval and military background, so going to Sandhurst in 1966 at the age of18 seemed absolutely natural and almost expected. I was commissioned into the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in 1968 and started out on the typical busy but enjoyable life of a young officer learning my trade – albeit in the sunshine posting of Gibraltar.

When I returned to the UK in 1972 things were more serious as we deployed to the then very active theatre of Northern Ireland. I was injured in the first month, losing a leg in the process. I was well looked after but the care was much more informal than it is today. I decided to try and stay on and make a career of the military. I think most people forgot I had a “wooden leg” – and there was a lot of wood in those days, so much so that my leg once actually caught fire on exercise at Sennybridge; not much sympathy, everyone was too busy laughing!

I had a good career with excitement and variety along the way, as did my growing family (four children, all born in different garrisons). The leg was not so much a hindrance as a bit annoying at times.

I was languishing in my hospital bed in the Aldershot Military Hospital when these two fine old gentlemen appeared – they seemed old but they’d have been younger then I am now. They came with beer and cigarettes (it was the 70s!) and told me about Blesma.

They were able to give a realistic and encouraging idea about my life ahead – priceless really. A year later I was invited by Blesma to join a crew of WWII heroes on a yacht for Cowes Week. Seeing them cut about the deck in wind and awful weather was amazing and encouraging, and I have loved offshore sailing ever since.

Experiences like that are important and our modern activities programme reflects the impact it had on my life after amputation. I grew to understand that most Blesma Members are here today having suffered a bit of a close shave. We really are a unique fellowship of shared experience and, I like to think, our glass is always half full.

As Chief Executive Jerome's main role was to represent the interests of Blesma Members. This involved close dealing with Government departments at official and ministerial level. Blesma is acknowledged as the champion of those who have lost limbs or the use of limbs in or as a result of service and its experience of the impact of amputation through all the decades of life give it a profound insight.

Consequently Blesma has considerable experience and knowledge about the War Disablement Pension and the modern Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and disability allowances in general. Blesma is also the service charity that deals with prosthetic issues.

As of December 2013, Jerome resigned his post as Chief Executive and is now enjoying retirement!

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