Blesma News
Latest news from Blesma, The Limbless Veterans
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Member speaks about Infected Blood Inquiry
26 November 2021A 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 2021Adaptive 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 2021Jean 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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Back and better than ever: Members’ Weekend 2021
19 November 2021Blesma Members Weekend After a year-and-a-half of isolation, during which Members’ Weekend 2020 was cancelled because of Covid, the Association was finally able to gather Members together again in October for two days of hugging old friends, meeting new ones, sharing stories and trying out new activities. Members’ Weekend 2021 was nothing short of a triumph. More than 180 Members gathered at the Chesford Grange Hotel near Coventry on 02-03 October. Safety was paramount, with all attendees having to present a negat
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