Blesma News
Latest news from Blesma, The Limbless Veterans
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In the spotlight: Pete Shields
19 January 2021
Stalwart Blesma Support Officer Pete Shields could write a book about his time at the Association, and it would be full of warm memories, tough battles, and triumphs for Members. He’s been on the front line of Blesma’s welfare efforts in the North East and Scotland for the last 15 years, serving his ‘flock’ of 300 Members and Widows with enthusiasm, humour and grit. “It’s been an honour,” says Pete, who retired from the role at the end of November. “I will miss the Members, my colleagues, and being part of this great organisation, but I’ve loved every minute of my time here. For me,
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Letters page: Sam Gallop CBE
17 January 2021
"His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh was the hands-on and encouraging President of the Guinea Pig Club charity, which was founded in 1940 by Battle of Britain pilots who sustained severe burns while flying in World War II. Their burns were often the result of extreme temperatures produced when high winds in crashing planes fanned highoctane fuel flames. These air crew, and their 800-some successors throughout WWII, were selected for treatment by Sir Archibald McIndoe and his innovative team at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinste
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Fort trip helps Members reconnect
15 January 2021
A small group of Members and their partners were treated to a trip to Weymouth’s stunning historic sea fort in September. The outing to Nothe Fort, arranged by South West Outreach Officer Sarah Payne, gave Members in her area who had not been active online during lockdown the chance to reconnectwith fellow Members. “The six of us who attended had a great visit, and the weather was ideal to sit and have refreshments at the end of our tour,” said Peter Mckernan, 63, from Weymouth, who attended the trip. “The fort has many links with military groups
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Have you got a story to tell?
14 January 2021
Applications to join the 2021 Making Generation R programme are now open! Your fellow Blesma Members have already inspired over 100,000 young people and key workers with their powerful stories of overcoming adversity - now it’s your chance to get involved! What is Making Generation R? Making Generation R – Resilience Through Inspiration (MGR) is a storytelling & public speaking programme brought to you by Blesma, The Limbless Veterans and award-winning creative social enterprise, The Drive Project. Since 2016, we’ve w
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