Coast2Coast - Members Challanges

On Easter Monday, Five Blesma Members and their friends set off from the Eric Morecambe statue in Morecambe Bay on a 3-day, 140-mile cycle ride from the West coast to the East Coast of England. Of the group, two completed the route on hand-bikes.

The Mayor of Lancaster, Councillor Susie Charles met the team at Morecambe to show her support and see them off.

"It’s absolutely inspiring what the team are doing – I couldn’t imagine myself taking on this kind of challenge! I encourage people to dig deep and support Blesma and those who have made such sacrifices in the name of serving their country."

The team then passed through Ingleton, Hawes, Redmire, Leyburn, Thirsk and Malton before ending at Filey seafront. As a group, they have raised nearly £11,000 for Blesma, a fantastic achievement and a great team effort.

The Team - Blesma Members

Jonathan Bell: Jonathan is based in Weybridge but is originally from Yorkshire. Jonathan served with the 1st Bn The Green Howards until he was seriously injured along with fifteen soldiers in a military training accident in 1993. Jonathan was left paralysed from the upper chest and with severe leg injuries and a foot amputation. Discharged from the Army in 1997, he has since worked as a journalist. Jonathan will be on a handbike for the C2C Challenge. 

Mark Brown: Mark served with 1st Bn Queens Lancashire Regiment and was injured in 1988 in a motorbike accident, resulting in the amputation of his left arm.  For a long time Mark pursued athletics as a distance runner and competed at international level. Now Mark enjoys cycle touring with his local club and is has done the C2C crossing many times. He lives in Barnoldswick on the Lancs/Yorks border. 

Martin Kettrick: 30 years ago, Martin was involved in a very serious training accident while serving in the Royal Marines. An abseil rope was cut and he fell 40 ft and broke his back. Since then he has worked for the Citizens Advice Bureau until recently when he decided to retire early. Martin lives in Stoke-on-Trent and spends much of his time fundraising for local groups and charities, including the Royal Marines Association and Blesma. Martin will be one of the hand-cyclists on the C2C Challenge. 

John Reeves: John served 10 years with 3rd Bn The Parachute Regiment.  He lost an eye in 1983 when he was hit by explosives in a training accident. John has been on several cycle trips, and is always the first to help others up the hills - he's still a very fit bloke!  

Jez Scarratt: Former Royal Marine. Jez lost his right leg, below knee, after he was involved in a motorcycle accident.  A keen cyclist, Jez has taken part in all of the Soldier Rides since they began.  He’ll also be taking part in Canada’s BC endurance bike race.  Cycling Coast to Coast for Blesma in April will be a warm-up for Jez!