2021
Blesma Updates for 2021, covering news, activities and fundraising events for limbless veterans.
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Member Martin set to be the first disabled person to reach the South Pole unassisted
23 November 2021
Adaptive explorer Martin embarks on a trek to the South Pole. Disabled Explorer Martin Hewitt is taking on the world first polar mission with the aim of becoming the first disabled person to reach the South Pole unsupported and unassisted from the base camp at the edge of Antarctica. The former Para, whose right arm was paralysed when he was shot in Afghanistan in 2007, aims to complete the 1,000km trek in 45 days. He will be guided by Louis Rudd MBE, Director of Expeditions at Shackleton and the only person to have crossed Antarctica on foot twice. The
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A Day in The Life: Jean McCready
21 November 2021
Jean began fundraising for Blesma with her late husband, Jack. She has been awarded the Cyril Stephens Award, which recognises the work of Blesma supporters... I have lived in Portadown, Northern Ireland for more than 50 years. I finished technical college before workingfor a local estate agent. In 1985, my 27-year-old sister was serving in what was then the Royal Ulster Constabularywhen the police station she was posted to was bombed. She was killed along with eight of her colleagues. I met my husband, Jack, at a Royal British Legion dance.
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Back and better than ever: Members’ Weekend 2021
19 November 2021
Blesma Members Weekend After a year-and-a-half of isolation, during which Members’ Weekend 2020 was cancelled because of Covid, the Association was finally able to gather Members together again in October for two days of hugging old friends, meeting new ones, sharing stories and trying out new activities. Members’ Weekend 2021 was nothing short of a triumph. More than 180 Members gathered at the Chesford Grange Hotel near Coventry on 02-03 October. Safety was paramount, with all attendees having to present a negat
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Remembrance Day 2021: Murray's Story
11 November 2021
Remembrance Day 2021: Murray's Story “The vehicle was thrown 10 feet into the air. I kept going” Murray served for 12 years in the Royal Tank Regiment, but his life was shattered by a bomb blast in Afghanistan in 2010 that left both his feet needing to be amputated. He struggled mentally for a number of years afterwards; firstly with the aftermath of amputation, and more profoundly when he lost his young son to a sudden illness. These tragedies would break many people but, with Remembrance Day 2021 upon us, Murray Hamb
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