Blesma News
Latest news from Blesma, The Limbless Veterans
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Blesma Fundraiser's 457-Day Tribute to Fallen Comrades
20 August 2023
Congratulations to British Army veteran Andrew O’Donoghue, who has successfully completed his extraordinary challenge to remember the 457 British soldiers who died in Afghanistan, raising funds for Blesma along the way. Andrew spoke to Blesma about the challenge he had set himself to run 4.57km every day for 457 days in memory of the 457 British soldiers who did not return from the war in Afghanistan, a conflict in which the 42 year old was a participant. The Ashton dad of one was in the Queen’s Lancashire and later the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiments during 22 years’ service in
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Rowing Towards Records: The journey of Gregg Stevenson, Blesma Member and Paralympic Hopeful
31 July 2023
On the water with the Blesma Member who is hoping to row into the record books Take it from a former Commando: elite rowing training is utterly brutal. “I’ve learned the hard way,” says Gregg Stevenson, a former member of 59 Commando Squadron Royal Engineers who lost both his legs in an IED blast in Afghanistan in 2009. “There is something spiritual about rowing because you have to work extremely hard but be graceful at the same time. It’s that famous swan analogy: giving it everything you’ve got underwater, but on the top y
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From a Cramped Flat to an Independent Life in a Bungalow: Blesma's support transforms former Naval Diver's Life
15 July 2023
Former naval diver Paul Foster is regaining his independence after Blesma helped him move from a cramped first-floor flat into a bungalow. The 72-year-old double amputee felt isolated in the flat but struggled to arrange suitable alternative accommodation. “I am slowly getting used to it, becoming more confident and trying to live independently.” BSO Wales and West Tom Hall and Outreach Officer Jason Suller were vital in dealing with Cardiff’s local authorities to get Paul relocated and get him a new wh
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Developing a Digital App to improve socket fit
5 July 2023
Introduction: The goal of the research is to develop a digital app that facilitates communication between veterans with lower limb loss and prosthetic rehabilitation clinicians regarding socket comfort and fit. Why You've Been Invited: Your experience as a veteran with a lower limb amputation and prosthetic limb use makes you an ideal candidate for this study. However, participation is entirely voluntary, and you are under no obligation to take part. The research team is available to a
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