“The people made it really special!”

The Blackthorn Rally is an off-road motorsport expedition for military veterans that takes place every year in Africa. As a third-time participant, Spencer Bull thought he had seen it all, but this year’s event in Tanzania brought a whole new level of excitement.

“Picture 26 adventurous souls – including four Blesma members who, between us, have no working legs – taking on the rugged terrain of East Africa in dune buggies,” said Spencer about this year’s rally. “There were so many highlights that will stay with me: Mount Kilimanjaro standing guard over our routes; dancing through the infamous ‘fesh fesh’ dust clouds; close encounters with giraffes and elephants that had us grinning like kids; and meeting lots of local people who all seemed to share our enthusiasm. We were even treated to some fantastic post-rally R&R at a beach resort in Zanzibar.”

Spencer, along with Blesma Members Paddy Gallagher, Lamin Manneh and Colum McGeown drove the buggies roughly 300km a day during the nine-day rally, which took place at the end of September. But the adventure was almost over for Spencer before it had begun.

“On the first evening, my wheelchair decided it had had enough,” said Spencer. “But I was surrounded by an incredible support network, and within 24 hours

I had a replacement and was back in action thanks to my fellow Blesma Members
and the exped team’s amazing support.

“None of this would have been possible without Blesma’s funding,” added Spencer. “This was a journey of resilience and overcoming adversity. The event was amazing, but the people made it special.

It wasn’t just about incredible landscapes or adrenaline rushes – it was the people who turned challenges into triumphs!”