2026
The Blesma News for 2026 covering news, activities and fundraising events for limbless veterans.
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“Point me in the right direction and I'll crack on” (1)
5 October 2026
Scott Blaney says losing his right leg in an IED blast in Afghanistan was the best thing that happened to him. Since that day in May 2007, he has run the London Marathon, swam the English Channel, rowed the Atlantic Ocean and successfully competed for Great Britain in Brazilian jiu-jitsu – none of which he thinks he would have done if he hadn’t been injured. But it is an altogether more serene sport that has become his passion over the last two decades. Golf, says Scott, saved his life. Now, it is his life…
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The power of solitude and summits at sunrise
30 September 2026
Alec Waters has decided to take on a personal challenge to complete the 214 Wainwright peaks dotted across the Lake District as he combines his love of the fells and photography. The 39-year-old self-taught photographer has produced stunning images of the Lakes over the last four years in what has become a fundamental element of his wellbeing. “The picture is the bonus, but the process of putting my prosthetics on and being self-sufficient brings back a real feeling of independence and confidence that I’
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Blesma is crowned King of the Thames
23 September 2026
Almost 300 swimmers headed to Hampton Court at the end of June to take the plunge in the inaugural King of the Thames river swim – with Blesma as the charity partner. The 3km open water non-competitive swim along a picturesque stretch of the River Thames raised more than £4,500 for the Association and showcased the Thames’ improved water quality and the growing popularity of open water swimming. Blesma Member Gary Castle (main
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Shooting for top spot at Paralympic Games
16 September 2026
Rich Davies has his sights set on competing in archery at the 2032 Paralympic Games in Brisbane after gaining his official classification and shooting a personal best score on his international debut. “It is early days, but it is going very well and I was delighted to hit a personal best in my first international appearance,” said Rich, 39, from Norfolk, who suffered a foot injury while serving in Cyprus in 2019 that led to a left leg below-knee amputation.
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