2016
The Blesma News for 2016 covering news, activities and fundraising events for limbless veterans.
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Harry Parker Tells His Story
9 November 2016
It was on July 2009, when Harry Parker was returning from a night patrol with some 50 men, that he made a mistake – deciding to take a line of soldiers on a short cut through a field rather than follow the longer path. ‘It was only my arrogance as a soldier to walk across that field, because it was this close to camp, and I thought, right, I’ll take a risk here rather than minesweeping it.’ Of the moments surrounding his stepping on the IED, he says; “I never quite knew the full story because obviously I was eyes shut, grit
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Blesma Community Programme 2017
24 October 2016
Learn more about the 2016 intake and find out how you can get involved, whether you are a Blesma Member or a school... In 2016, Blesma commissioned and worked alongside The Drive Project who designed and delivered the pilot of the Blesma Community Programme (BCP). The BCP takes Blesma Members who have battled and overcome adversity and helps them to develop a skill set that allows them to deliver their story in a professional and engaging way. The programme is taught by theatre industry professionals over a 5-day course. Once equipped with these s
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Injured veteran completes gruelling mud run in aid of Blesma
18 October 2016
Paraplegic veteran takes on mud run challenge for Military charity. Andrew Bracey took part in the Nuclear Races to show fellow paraplegics just how much is achievable. On Saturday Andy, 41, from Southend, took part in a taster day to see what obstacles he will face in preparation for the real fundraising challenge set to take place next year. To take part Andy required a team of 15/20 people to help him around the course which was made up of friends, family and serving soldiers from Race2Recovery. “I want loads of people to see what I’m doing and see that peo
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Amputee veteran completes Swim Serpentine in incredible 30 minutes 55 seconds
11 October 2016
Blesma Member Lee Menday completed the Swim Serpentine in an incredible 30 minutes 55 seconds and raised an amazing £1,545 for fellow limbless veterans. Lee, 57, from Saxmundham, Suffolk, decided to take part in the swimming fundraising event as he needed a new challenge and swimming is a sport that helps with the rehabilitation for his injuries. Blesma Chief
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