2025
The Blesma News for 2025 covering news, activities and fundraising events for limbless veterans.
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Blesma Members take part in Therapeutic Water Rescues with Newfoundlands
23 January 2025
A number of Blesma Members were recently pulled safely from a chilly lake in Leicestershire. This is anything but a shaggy dog story. Walker, a four-year-old Newfoundland, is intensely focused on his latest vital mission. Unfazed by the cold water and commotion, and oblivious to any risk, his only concern is to bring the people to safety. The giant dog has already plunged into the chilly lake repeatedly to demonstrate his impressive life-saving skills that, combined with his gentle perso
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Surewise ready to deliver hampers this Christmas
20 January 2025
Charity partner Surewise is gearing up to deliver hampers to Members once again over the festive season. The goodwill mission is part of the company’s strong relationship with the Association, which includes a donation of mobility scooters. “Blesma is close to our hearts, and we are inspired by its Members,” said Stuart Bensusan, who founded the social care insurance company
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Warriors go through purple patch at Dragon Boat World Championships
20 January 2025
Members Glyn Barrell and Wendy Baker notched up podium performances with the Purple Warriors Dragon Boat team earlier this year, claiming silver in the 2000m race at the Dragon Boat World Championships. The team, created to inspire recovery and rehabilitation among injured veterans, missed out on the gold medal by one second at the event in Ravenna, Italy, earlier this year. “It was a shame to be so close, but we did really well to get silve
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Double win at Northern Ireland Veterans’ Awards
16 January 2025
Two Members were recognised at had a fantastic Awards ceremony in October. Andy Allen, who lost both legs and was partially blinded by an IED blast in Afghanistan when he was only 19 won the Health & Wellbeing Award for his work in veteran health and wellbeing through his charity; the Andy Allen Veterans Support (AAVS).
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