Four Blesma Members made MBEs in New Years Honours list

Paralympians Stu Robinson and Jaco Van Gass, Scottish Veteran David Dent and skiing para-athlete Shona Brownlee have become MBE Winners in the Honours list 2022.

Jaco Van Gass, who competed at the 2020 Paralympic Games, received the award for services to Cycling. He won two golds and one bronze at the 2020 Games.

  Stu Robinson was recognised for his services to Wheelchair Rugby. Stu also competed at the 2020 Games and he and the Wheelchair Rugby team returned home with a gold medal. 

David Dent became the third generation in his family to receive an MBE as he was recognised for services to Veterans, Students and People with Disabilities.

After leaving the Army in 2000 due to injury, David has been an advocate for people with disability, making sure they aren’t left behind and can be included in sports. He is an ambassador and spokesperson for Help for Heroes, and an Honorary Professor at Stirling University. There, he delivers masterclasses on management and Diversity and Inclusion. He has also been pushing for inclusivity at the Highland Games. 

Senior Aircraftwoman Shona Brownlee was nominated while serving as a musician in the Central Band of the RAF. Shona is involved with the Armed Forces Para Snowsport Team through the Government’s Battle Back programme. She joined this after suffering a serious injury during a military exercise, resulting in a below-the-knee amputation. She became the number one ranked female mono-skier in Great Britain and is now ranked ninth in the world.

You can find out more about how Shona is set to take on the Beijing Winter Paralympics here! 

Congratulations to all four Members on receiving your MBE!