Blesma News
Latest news from Blesma, The Limbless Veterans
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The Big Give Christmas Challenge 2021
30 November 2021
Blesma are once again taking part in The Big Give Christmas challenge! For one week, the Big Give offers Blesma supporters the opportunity to have their online donation doubled. This means that every pound gifted will be matched. Last year, with help from our supporters, Blesma was able to raise over £15,000 in just one week! This year, the challenge will be raising funds to help combat loneliness within the Blesma Membership.
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Member speaks about Infected Blood Inquiry
26 November 2021
A Blesma Member who contracted Hepatitis C from contaminated blood has given evidence to the Infected Blood Inquiry in the hope of helping others. Brendan West lost his leg in 1979 and was given a blood transfusion while at a British Military Hospital in Germany. After trying to give blood earlier this year, the 61 year old learned he has been infected with Hepatitis C for decades. “It was a surprise. Tests show it has caused significant damage to my liver. I am on medication for 12 weeks in the hope of removing the virus, but I must be monitored for the rest
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Member Martin set to be the first disabled person to reach the South Pole unassisted
23 November 2021
Adaptive explorer Martin embarks on a trek to the South Pole. Disabled Explorer Martin Hewitt is taking on the world first polar mission with the aim of becoming the first disabled person to reach the South Pole unsupported and unassisted from the base camp at the edge of Antarctica. The former Para, whose right arm was paralysed when he was shot in Afghanistan in 2007, aims to complete the 1,000km trek in 45 days. He will be guided by Louis Rudd MBE, Director of Expeditions at Shackleton and the only person to have crossed Antarctica on foot twice. The
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A Day in The Life: Jean McCready
21 November 2021
Jean began fundraising for Blesma with her late husband, Jack. She has been awarded the Cyril Stephens Award, which recognises the work of Blesma supporters... I have lived in Portadown, Northern Ireland for more than 50 years. I finished technical college before workingfor a local estate agent. In 1985, my 27-year-old sister was serving in what was then the Royal Ulster Constabularywhen the police station she was posted to was bombed. She was killed along with eight of her colleagues. I met my husband, Jack, at a Royal British Legion dance.
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