Blesma News
Latest news from Blesma, The Limbless Veterans
-
Nerys Pearce to take on record breaking Channel swim!
1 September 2020
A Blesma Member and former British Army Combat Paramedic will tonight (00:00 Wednesday 2 September 2020) begin her bid to become the first woman paralysed from the chest down to swim 21 miles solo across the English Channel. Nerys Pearce, 38, from Ascot, was left unable to move from her chest down when a car reversed in front of her motorbike in October 2008. Five years ago, she was bed bound, 18 stone and “wanting to end it.” Now, after turning her life around with support from military charity, Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, she hopes to swim the channel in
Read post -
Captain Craig shows how he sets sail
31 August 2020
Craig Wood lost both his legs and an arm when he was blown up by a roadside bomb while serving in Afghanistan. He was just 18. "I joined Blesma as soon as I was injured in 2009 – they were by my bedside from the very beginning. They’ve helped me out with practical things, like adaptations to my house, and they’ve been there with emotional support, too. Blesma has given me the strength to move forwards with my life, and I’m incredibly grateful to them for that." Craig has been on a long and agonising journey since Afghanistan. The soldier with 2nd Battalion, Th
Read post -
What works in NI?
30 August 2020
Connecting with Blesma Members across the six counties of Northern Ireland comes with unique challenges. Political and historical sensitivities are entwined with the dynamic progress of a region committed to a positive future. For Blesma Support Officer Steve Burton and OutreachOfficer Fiona Morrison, that means extra considerations when it comes to building awareness of the Association’s offer and support. “Some Members have been totally immersed in the historical challenges of living in Northern Ireland, and understandably remain cautio
Read post -
The Blesma Awards: The Earl of Ancaster Memorial Award
28 August 2020
The Earl of Ancaster Memorial Award for 2019 was awarded to David Stevenson. This award was established in memory of Blesma Member Major The Earl of Ancaster KCVO TD, who served in the Leicestershire Yeomanry in World War II and lost a leg in Normandyin 1944. It recognises outstanding work undertaken by a Blesma volunteer. This year, the Earl of Ancaster Memorial Award is presented to David Stevenson. Blesma Member David became a Digital Volunteer in 2018, making a real impact in the Wales and West Area by supporting and advising his fellow Members and W
Read post