Steve has been bowled over by Blesma support

Steve Pendleton lost his sight, his left leg and the hearing in his right ear in a helicopter crash 30 years ago while serving with 1st Battalion Royal Green Jackets in Northern Ireland.

When he recently started using a wheelchair full time, he decided to learn a new skill. “Last June, I had to start using my wheelchair permanently and soon discovered the Rochester Blind Bowling Group,” said the 53 year old.

“Blind bowlers use a string that runs from the mat to the jack. My wife guides me by lining me up to get me on target, then I just do the bowls

STEVE HAS BEEN BOWLED OVER BY BLESMA SUPPORT and hope to get close. I really enjoy it and have become quite good at it.”

In April, as the weather became warmer, the club moved to an outdoor venue and Steve was left with a wheelchair that was unsuitable. “I needed to get a specialist lawn green wheelchair, so I contacted Blesma.

The Association funded the wheelchair, and my Support Officer even brought it to my house.

I don’t get out much now that I use the wheelchair, so I really enjoy the social aspect of bowling as well as playing the sport. It’s having a positive impact on my emotional wellbeing, too,