AGM 2015

The Blesma Annual General Meeting paid tribute to the inspiring efforts of Members, volunteers and staff who are the core of a unique charity.

It has been a year of significant triumphs and milestones but Members and distinguished guests heard that challenges still remain to maintain progress and keep public support.

The meeting, held at the Institution of Civil Engineers, in Westminster, London, heard the amazing achievements of veterans such as Dave Henson and Owen Pick and an impassioned speech from the Duke of Westminster outlining his vision for the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre.

The Trustees’ Annual and Strategic Report 2014 was accepted unanimously as the board reiterated its commitment to work for Members through life.

Lt Gen Sir Cedric Delves, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said the end of combat operations in Afghanistan in 2014 had encouraged a feeling of ‘job done’ among sections of the public.

But, he stressed, it was vital for Blesma to maintain public engagement and goodwill. He added that Blesma would always be characterized by the comradeship of shared experiences, and the drive towards maximum self-sufficiency by helping one another.

A shining of example of what can be achieved was highlighted by former Royal Engineer Dave Henson, who lost both his legs in an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2011. The 30-year-old told how he rebuilt his life and captained the Great Britain team at the Invictus Games last year.

He is also putting his considerable talents to use in an PhD in bio-medical engineering at Imperial College, London, where he is studying advanced developments in prosthetic limbs.

Former Royal Anglian Owen Pick thanked Blesma for its crucial support in a snowboarding career that has seen him rise up the rankings in just two years to be on target for the 2016 Winter Olympics in South Korea: “If I’m going, I’m coming back with Gold,” he pledged.

Their remarkable stories were linked with the charity’s heritage as former RAF pilot Sam Gallop was presented with the Hambro Trophy by the National President the Duke of Westminster for his tireless efforts for Blesma and other charities. Sam, 92, was seriously injured in a WW2 mission in 1944 but, despite losing both legs, graduated from Brasenose College, Oxford, after the war and dedicated his life to improving rights and conditions for the disabled.

The Duke also had another presentation to make, a bust of private Alex Stringer sculpted by Frances Segelman to the 24-year-old former Royal Logistics Corps soldier who lost three limbs in an IED explosion when just 20-years-old.

The Duke had outlined some of the plans for the building at Stamford Hall, near Loughborough, which will replace Headley Court in 2018.

Further details of the ambitious project will be announced in September but the Duke’s commitment to creating a legacy shone through his address.

The annual report can be found here