2024
The Blesma News for 2024 covering news, activities and fundraising events for limbless veterans.
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How Blesma is helping Ukraine’s limbless veterans
15 March 2024
Several Blesma Members have spent time with wounded Ukrainian soldiers to
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Half Marathon and Marriage on the horizon for Blesma Member Russ Kirby
14 February 2024
Blesma Member RUSS KIRBY IS PUTTING IN THE MILES to raise funds for Blesma and to get in shape for his wedding this summer. The former Royal Navy man is running the London Landmarks Half Marathon in April and is getting married to Sarah Deans, a former member of the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, in June. “I wanted to do something for Blesma, but I also need to get myself fit for the big day,” said Russ, 62, who served on HMS Antrim before a motorbike accident cut his military career short when he was just 20 years old.
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Blesma forges strong links with Hammers
4 February 2024
The association has enjoyed a close relationship with nearby Premier League football club West Ham United for a number of years. 2023 was no exception. West Ham United FC made it a match day to remember in December as they rolled out the claret and blue carpet for Blesma Members and sprang an added surprise for one passionate fan. The Premier League club laid on a training ground experience for three Members who are Hammers fans as part of their support for the Association’s Operation Christmas Cheer that also delivered 225 hampers to social
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When James Hill was forced to leave the Forces he took his love of dogs with him
2 February 2024
WHEN JAMES HILL WAS TOLD HIS MILITARY CAREER WAS OVER HE ACCEPTED IT STRAIGHT AWAY. THE QUESTION WAS: WHAT WOULD HE DO NEXT? IT WAS DURING REHABILITATION AT HEADLEY COURT THAT HE HAD AN IDEA AND DECIDED TO JUMP IN AT THE DEEP END. For most injured veterans, Headley Court was a place where they began their long, and often difficult, rehab journeys. For James ‘Jimmy’ Hill, it was certainly that – but it was also the place that inspired a brilliant business idea. “I remember getting into the hydrotherapy pool for the first time at
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