2020
The Blesma News for 2020 covering news, activities and fundraising events for limbless veterans.
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Africa’s highest summit no match for Blesma duo
25 May 2020
Earlier this year, double amputees Justin Davis and Hari Budha-Magar successfully scaled to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The pair joined forces to climb the world’s highest free-standing mountain in aid of Make-A-Wish Foundation UK. It took them six days to scale the 5,895-metre peak. Hari and Justin both served in Afghanistan; Hari with the Royal Gurkha Rifles and Justin with the Rifles, and both lost their legs above the knee in IED strikes. “Reaching the highest point in Africa was a truly humbling experience,” said Justin. “The first four days
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Living through a time of change
23 May 2020
Prosthetics technology and provision have come a long way in recent years, but while the pace of change is increasing we can’t just sit and wait for the future says Brian Chenier. The future for prosthetics promises a world where capabilities will be driven by bionics and humanrobotic interfaces – today’s science fiction is set to become tomorrow’s reality. But until that Star Trek generation of technology lands, there is the daily task of ensuring that service delivery meets the needs of Blesma Members and enables them both to rehabilitate and regain their independe
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Blesma at Home workout (Seated)
22 May 2020
Gregg Stevenson has devised a weekly home workout especially for his fellow Members, to help us keep our mind and bodies healthy during lock-down. "My name is Gregg and I am a Blesma Member that works at SMRC Preston (the prosthetics centre gym). We focus on the benefits that strength, fitness and mobility can bring to amputees and wheelchair users. I intend to develop several fitness sessions for you to try at home, with minimal equipment. I have been inspired by other Blesma Members, cracking on at this difficult time, and feel it would be beneficial for us all to
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What works well in Wales?
19 May 2020
With almost 200 Members scattered across 8,000 square miles, it is little wonder that Blesma Support Officer Tom Hall and Outreach Officer Jason Suller are getting to know the delights and frustrations of the Welsh road networks. Tom has clocked up more than 43,000 miles in just two years looking after the vast Wales and West of England patch, with five-hour car journeys a regular feature of his role supporting Members and advocating for improved services. Tom, who served a 29-year military career before he took up the role of a BSO, is also on a mission to explain Blesma’s purpose t
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