Blesma News
Latest news from Blesma, The Limbless Veterans
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Amputee breaks his leg at sea - but has a spare!
12 January 2016
An amputee Afghanistan veteran rowing across the Atlantic has proved his high seas humour by saying: “I’ve broken my leg – luckily I brought another along with me.” The disabled oarsman sparked hysterics by reporting the accident and adding: “I had a spare and a few twists of an Allen key and I was back in action.” Royal Marine Colour Sergeant Lee Spencer is part of a team of amputees and Blesma Members, backed by Prince Harry, competing in the daunting 3,000 mile Trans-Atlantic race. “It is difficult to get around the boat and I caught my leg between the oar and the si
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Bill Madeley MBE - obituary
12 January 2016
Bill Madeley MBE passed away on 03 January 2016. Bill was a ‘people person’ who was never happier than when he was helping those in need. He was elected to Walsall Council in 1971, was elected Mayor of Walsall in 1988, Deputy Leader of the Council in 1997 and, finally, Leader of the Council in 1999. Bill was awarded the MBE in 2006 for his service to the local community, and was admitted as an Honorary Freeman of the Borough in 2010. Bill became involved with the Walsall Branch of Blesma in the 1960s. He was elected Vice President of the Branch in 1990, became President of the Br
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Are you looking for a new challenge to kick off 2016?
7 January 2016
Happy New Year! Last year we helped support over 3,500 limbless veterans and widows, however there is still so much more that needs to be done. Make 2016 the year you push the boundaries and take on a fundraiser in aid of our Veterans who have lost the use of their limbs and or eye sight. With your help Blesma can continue to support Veterans to lead independent and fulfilling lives. Sign Up Today There are so many ways you can make a difference, do your own thing, organise an event during Blesma Week, take on a challenge, run that
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Jean Goodall looks at the Association from a Widow’s perspective
19 December 2015
Jean Goodall became the Chair of a Blesma branch almost without a say in the matter. “I was sitting at the back of an East Berkshire meeting in 2000, a couple of years after my husband had died, and the Chairman announced that he was going to stand down,” recalls the 76 year old. “The Treasurer shouted ‘Jean!’ and before I knew it, I was taking the meeting. Next, I got a letter from Blesma congratulating me on being the new Chair and Welfare Officer, which hadn’t even been mentioned! “I really enjoyed it though,” she admits. “Everyone said it was because I like telling people what to do! It
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