Blesma Prosthetics Support Officer recognised in New Years Honours list

Brian Chenier, the Support Officer who specialises in prosthetics at Blesma, has been awarded a MBE.

The honour is for services to disabled veterans.

Brian’s role involves offering advice and support to Members who may have been fitted for a prothesis or are awaiting fitting as well as advocating on the Members’ behalf to Limb Centres and other authorities across the UK. By being a member of various Armed Forces Networks, Brian is also involved in influencing decision making behind policies.

Brian joined Blesma in April 2013, after serving in the Army for 27 years. He initially served with the Corps of Royal Military Police, enjoying postings in Germany, Northern Ireland and the UK. He deployed to Bosnia with the Military Police in 1998.

In 2001, he transferred to the Military Provost Staff at MCTC Colchester (The Glasshouse) and was employed as a custodial specialist. He then deployed to Iraq in 2005 on operation Telic.

Brian, whose mother is a Blesma Widow Member and father was a Blesma Member, said: “I am delighted to have been recognised in this way. I never expected to get an MBE for my work. I am passionate about helping our disabled veterans live their best life and working for Blesma allows me to achieve that.”

“Before working for Blesma I was aware of the fantastic support they provide as my dad benefitted from the charity as he was a veteran. When he had his leg amputated around 2007 he needed a lot of advice and support with moving house and claiming the right benefits. Blesma also enabled him and my mother to take respite breaks”

“My inspiration comes from the veterans and service personnel I meet through my work. Their resilience and determination, and often humour, is amazing. I also work with a great team at Blesma and many others in the NHS, MoD and other charities. This award is as much for all of them as it is for me.”

Congratulations once again Brian, and thank you for all that you do to help our Members!