Blesma News
Latest news from Blesma, The Limbless Veterans
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Storytelling programme to launch
20 June 2023
Blesma is launching a Storytelling and Wellbeing programme to build on the success of Making Generation R. The project, which is due to start in the autumn 2023, will feature online and in-person workshops with professional storytellers. The Drive Project will deliver the workshops, which are designed to help Members and their families build confidence and promote good mental wellbeing. "The workshops will provide Members with opportunities to connect with other Members to share experiences, learn from one another and be creative. The programme will also offer an opportunity t
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After Kevin Barnes had his leg amputated he fancied rekindling an old hobby
9 June 2023
Kevin Barnes, 66, served in the Royal Navy for 17 years. His right leg was amputated two-and-a-half years ago as a result of circulation problems. A keen pigeon racer in his younger days, Kevin has recently rekindled his passion for the activity thanks to a grant from Blesma... Tell us about your military career… I grew up in Birkenhead and joined the Royal Navy in 1972. I was 15 years old. My grandfather, father and brothers had all served, and I needed a proper job. After my training, I worked on nuclear submarines and was
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New Research: Understanding how you use assisted technology in your everyday life
24 May 2023
Calling all Members and their families! Do you use a wheelchair, scooter or hand cycle? If so, we want to hear from you to inform a new piece of research. This Office for Veterans Affairs funded research project wants to find out from you about your everyday living experiences with assistive technologies. In particular, we want to understand the effectiveness of different assistive technologies used by veterans who are wheelchair/EVP-users. What will taking part involved? You are inv
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Congratulations to Blesma Member Hari Budha Magar on making history!
22 May 2023
The Gurkha veteran, who lost both of his legs in Afghanistan - has accomplished the impossible and made mountaineering history by reaching the top of Mount Everest! In doing so becoming the first double leg amputee to reach the top of the world. Hari embarked on this monumental climb on 17 April, marking precisely 13 years since he tragically lost his legs in an IED explosion during his service in Afghanistan. Battling freezing conditions and enduring an agonizing wait of 18 days at the Everest base camp for clear weather, Hari and his courageous team witnessed the h
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