Blesma's runners took on the hottest-ever London Marathon in April to raise more than £20,000 for the Association.

With temperatures rising above 23°C, more than 40,000 runners completed the gruelling race, which was started by Her Majesty The Queen from the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Blesma’s nine brave runners all made it to the finish line, with Ed Allsop leading them in with an impressive time of 3 hours, 24 minutes and 41 seconds.

Former Royal Engineer Matty Bale, 28, from Cornwall, ran for Blesma to thank the Association for the support given to his friend and former colleague James Wilson, after he lost both his legs in Afghanistan.

It was an amazing day from start to finish, with crowds on every inch of the route shouting and cheering us on,” Matty said. “When I felt a little tired someone would shout; ‘Go on Matty, lad,’ and then the next few people would shout the same. It was an amazing experience, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat!

Matty Bale

Blesma Member David Chandler, 36, from Northampton, who lost his right eye while serving in Afghanistan, also took part, completing the course in 4 hours, 26 minutes and 58 seconds.

Meet the 2018 Marathon Blesma team