Meet the 2018 London Marathon team

This year, nine people have braved the 26.2 mile challenge that is the London Marathon for our injured veterans. We've been speaking to them and asking the famous question: What's your first treat once you've finished the Marathon?

Meet our Blesma runners:

Blesma Member David Chandler

• David, 36, from Little Billing, Northampton

Former lance corporal David was injured while serving with the Mercian Regiment in Afghanistan in 2009. 

 David was part of a Quick Reaction Force travelling to a request for assistance, when his soldiers began getting too close together, meaning any blast or contact would have inflicted more causalities. David  ordered them to space out, when Private Jason Williams then detonated an IED and David was caught the blast, which resulted in the loss of his right eye. Tragically Pte Williams was killed.

David then became a Member of Blesma, where he and his family have benefited from a number of Blesma's rehabilitation activities.

While serving David was also awarded the Joint Commander's Commendation for his actions on Operation Pechtaw.

What are you looking forward to most once you finish the race? "Lots of water and a nice beer!"

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-chandler7 

Military veteran Matty Bale

• Matty, 28, from Fraddon, Cornwall
• First London Marathon. Second Marathon.

Former Sapper Matty is taking on the London Marathon to thank Blesma for the support they give to injured veterans, including his friend James Wilson, who lost both his legs while serving in Afghanistan. Matty and James met whilst going through basic training to join the Royal Engineers. 

What are you looking forward to most once you finish the race? A rum and coke.

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/matthew-bale-SAVMLMBONDS3332018-824646

Kavit Amin 

• Kav, 33, from Manchester
• First marathon

Kav is a trainee surgeon (reconstructive surgery) so has treated patients within the NHS. He has become a part of their roller coaster journey and felt it was important to give back in a different way. In the future, Kav and his team are looking at working with the Military from a research perspective to improve outcomes after traumatic injury.

What are you looking forward to most once you finish the race? Seeing my little six month old girl. Training has coincided with her wake times and so I’m looking forward to the recovery so I can dedicate some time to her and my wife.

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KavitAmin

Ed Allsopp

• Ed, 30, from Bristol
• First London Marathon 

Ed is taking on the London Marathon for Blesma to support the work Blesma do. Ed has a friend, who has toured several times since they both graduated University, and knows a number of his friends have benefited from Blesma's help. He hopes that if his friend ever requires assistance from Blesma, there would be enough support and resources for him too. 

And finally, what are you looking forward to most once you finish the race? "Unfortunately this isn’t the finish line for me… I’m in training for the Austria Ironman which takes place on 1 July 2018, and come London Marathon I will have 9 more weeks of preparation to go.  After the final discipline in Austria, being another marathon(!), I’m looking forward to celebrating with those closest to me who have been supportive during my challenge, not waking up for 5.30 a.m. swimming and running sessions, not cycling in the awful ‘spring’ weather we’ve all suffered, but mostly relishing a Chinese takeaway and a bottle of red wine!"

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/edallsopp

Heidi and Andy Standen 

• Heidi, 48, and Andy,  29, from Farningham, Kent.

• First Marathon.

Heidi and Andy have already supported Blesma in the past with events such as the Nuclear Race.

And finally, what are you looking forward to most once you finish the race?

Heidi: "My lovely warm comfy bed."

Andy: "No more long training runs!"

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndyCuthbertson1 

Em Steele

• Em, 40, from Gosport (originally from Luton)
• First Marathon

Em works as a executive headteacher at Haselworth Primary School and experienced a visit from the Blesma Community Programme. The visit highlighted Blesma's work and both Em and her pupils were inspired by the Member's workshop. The school then nominated Blesma two years in a row as their chosen charity and have completed many fundraisers for us, including skydives! Em's husband is also a Lieutenant Commander Engineer in the Royal Navy, so she has a strong connection to the military.

And finally, what are you looking forward to most once you finish the race? "Just seeing the finishing line will be amazing, but after that I think I'm looking forward to being able to eat a take away again."

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/EmSteele 

Are you inspired? Apply for a Blesma London Marathon charity place