2021
Blesma Updates for 2021, covering news, activities and fundraising events for limbless veterans.
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A Day in the Life: Bruce Falkenburg
8 August 2021
Having lived with pain for years, Bruce Falkenberg elected to have his legs amputated. That’s when his life started to turn around... "I was born in Zimbabwe. I think boarding school life there prepared me for the military. I was used to clothing and room inspections, the different levels of seniority andgaining different privileges as you stepped up a grade. In the early 2000s, I came to the UK to visit my parents, who immigrated in the 90s. At the time, a lot of soldiersfrom the Commonwealth were joining the British Army, and I happened to walk past a Caree
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Tai Chi with Blesma
6 August 2021
When it comes to trying new activities, one of the common frustrations for anyone living with an amputation or loss of use of limb is finding an instructor who truly understands – and makes provision for – the special circumstances brought about by their injuries. However, when they’re learning from Phil Sheridan, who co-owns Discover Tai Chi with Helen Parsons, that isn’t a problem. Phil is an amputee himself, having surviveda near-fatal road accident in 2002 that resulted in the amputation of his right leg below the knee. “I was riding my motorbike and
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Lanarkshire Veteran gearing up for 12-hour charity cycle
4 August 2021
David Borden Smith has put his best wheel forward. After taking on the role of Fundraiser David has decided to lead by example, and the veteran is going to be doing a 12-hour sponsored cycle event today, on the 4th August 2021, which will see David Cycle by using his new Tri-Bike, Hand-Pedal from his home in Larkhall to Cambuslang where he will carry on indoors in the Energie Fitness Gym for another 8 hours before cycling back home again. David said 'When I took the role on for fund-raising for our Area I thought it would be better to let my actions speak loud
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Specialist Prosthetic will complete Highland Dress
1 August 2021
A world champion pipe band drummer, who lost his right leg below the knee due to diabetes, is trying to get a specialist prosthetic made which will have space for his Sgian Dubh. Scott Campbell wants the prosthetic to complete his piper’s full highland dress. The Sgian Dubh (pronounced ‘ski-en doo’), is a small knife that is worn tucked into the top of the sock, or kilt hose as it is traditionally called. “I’m a drummer in the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band and was the former leading drummer for the 7 SCOTS Pipe & Drums,” said the 45 year old from Dundee. “I’ve performed
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