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2023

The Blesma News for 2023 covering news, activities and fundraising events for limbless veterans. 

  • In the spotlight: Royal Navy veteran Nick Richardson

    Nick Richardson
    31 January 2023

    In the spotlight Having joined the Royal Navy in the late 1980s, I picked up a serious ankle injury very early in training. There was little in the way of rehabilitation available at the time, and as a result I have lived with ankle pain ever since. As I got older this pain became more of a problem, and I was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis in my right ankle in 2007. This was made significantly worse in 2009 when I was injured again, this time shredding a ligament and permanently damaging a nerve in the left side of my pelvi

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  • Blesma Widow Bonnie Harrison has lived for more than 40 years with a hidden disability. This is her story

    BONNIE HARRISON HAS LIVED THE LAST FOUR AND A HALF DECADES WITH A HIDDEN DISABILITY AS A RESULT OF TREATMENT FOR CERVICAL CANCER. THIS IS HER STORY
    16 January 2023

    For most Blesma Members, their disability is visible – bringing with it both positive and negative attention. For others, however, a ‘hidden disability’ creates a whole different set of issues. Bonnie Harrison, 79, knows that more than anyone. After developing cervical cancer when she was just 34 years old, she was treated with radiotherapy which resulted in severe intestinal issues. She has had to live her life ever since managing the condition, and it’s not been easy. “Hidden disability can be very frustrating, and people

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  • Blesma funded home improvements make a huge difference to RAF Veteran Austin

    RAF veteran Austin Gallagher
    5 January 2023

      Home adaptations funded by Blesma Housing adaptations funded by Blesma and several other charities mean RAF veteran Austin Gallagher can

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