2025
The Blesma News for 2025 covering news, activities and fundraising events for limbless veterans.
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Do you want to build a snowman?
18 April 2025
Forget kids’ movies, the 230-mile Snowman Trek has all the makings of an action-packed Hollywood blockbuster. The air is crystal clear and the scenery, rising from the lush valleys to the majestic snow-capped Himalayan peaks, is breathtaking. But as well as being beautiful, this vista is also the backdrop to one of the world’s truly great challenges; a demanding and often treacherous 28-day trek that pushes brave adventurers to their physical lim
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Robbed by monkeys on an unforgettable trip
14 April 2025
Getting scammed by a rogue travel agent and robbed by aggressive monkeys doesn’t sound like perfect holiday memories, but for ex-Staff Sergeant Tony Brown they were all part of a crazy, chaotic fundraising tuk tuk trip through India. The eventful 3,500km journey over 14 days involved braving lorries and buses travelling the wrong way down highways, and steering the temperamental three-wheeled vehicles through hair-raising traffic.
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Blesma carol service an “important part of the area’s Christmas events”
12 April 2025
Chelmsford Cathedral rang out once again at Christmas to the sound of music and choirs at the Blesma carol service. The event, which has become a calendar highlight for the Association, took place last year on 12 December. The cathedral, parts of which date back to Norman times, was packed full as 300 guests enjoyed a unique evening of carols, performances, readings and prayers. The service was very moving, and the excell
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Empowering Veterans Through Art: Blesma's Sculpture and Storytelling Workshop
8 April 2025
You don’t always have to speak to tell your story. The latest well-received addition to the Blesma storytelling and wellbeing programme saw Members create sculptures with meaning. The two-day course, which followed an introductory online session with acclaimed sculptor and course leader Simon Watson, kicked off with a discussion about art to encourage the group’s freedom of expression. Participants then immersed themselves in constructing and personalising their plaster artwork. Some Members chose to cast their full face (with help from othe
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