Blesma cycling event helps wounded veterans from the UK and USA

Injured veterans from Military charities Blesma, the limbless veterans and Wounded Warrior Project recently joined forces to take on a week-long cycle ride around the English countryside.

The annual cycling event SR UK is a rehabilitation activity that brings together wounded, injured and sick veterans from the UK and United States for companionship, exercise and wellbeing. This year the event took place across Hampshire, Dorset and Bournemouth before finishing in Richmond Park in London.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Hampshire Andrew Kent Esq DL also met riders at the start line on Sunday 25^th September. During the week, the group also visited a number of attractions including Winchester Cathedral, Bovington Tank Museum, the Watercress Steam Train Line and the Museum of Army Flying.

For former US Marine Joseph ‘Joey’ De Prisco it was his first time in the UK and cycling is an activity that helps hugely with his injuries.

“The week has been phenomenal. Seeing all the British countryside is just breath-taking,” said Joey.

“Cycling is really therapeutic for me as I suffer from chronic migraines that can last for hours and multiple visual neurological disorders causing both blurred and double vision problems, but when I’m cycling it seems to go away – nothing bothers you whilst riding. The longer I’m active the more it helps and the better I feel throughout the day.”

In 2006, Joey was on a mounted patrol in Iraq whilst serving with the Fleet Maine Force as a Hospital Corpsman. The lead vehicle he was travelling in passed over an IED and was blown up backwards. Joey had been sitting behind the driver and was knocked unconscious from the force of hitting the metal structural frame directly in front of him. Joey suffered a traumatic brain injury and today still suffers from chronic headaches, lower back pain due to spinal injuries sustained, and PTSD.

Before joining the association, Blesma Member Troy Conner said that he was never into events like cycling but once he took part in the Blesma Battlefield bike ride, he got the cycling bug.

“It was a great week for building bridges with fellow veterans and has been a positive experience. Finishing our day in Richmond Park was a beautiful ending but my highlight was quad biking on our activity day. Blesma have welcomed me with open arms. I never expected the reception I have had.”

In 2009, Troy was serving in Afghanistan with his Parachute regiment. He was providing top cover at the back of a Jackal vehicle when an IED was activated. Troy was launched out of the vehicle and the impact ripped off his body armour and helmet. Troy suffered a fractured spine, a gunshot wound to the leg, heavy brain bleed and had shrapnel to his stomach.  He now has titanium plate protecting his brain and is blind in his right eye.

Amputee and Blesma Member Charmaine Healy also added: “Events like SR UK help me massively as it’s great to get out of the house and with other veterans. It also gives me something to look forward to.”

This year marks the fourth annual Soldier Ride UK event. With American colleagues, Blesma veterans also get the chance to participate in Soldier Ride New York once a year which is hosted by the Wounded Warrior Project.