Blesma News
Latest news from Blesma, The Limbless Veterans
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Remembrance 2014
11 November 2014
The Queen has led the nation in remembering service personnel who have died during conflicts, as Remembrance Sunday services were held around the UK. The Blesma contingent at this years Cenotaph parade comprised of 21 Members on electric scooters lead by 3 Members followed by 7 “walking wounded” Members. Those taking part were drawn from all quarters of the UK and have seen service in conflicts from World War II up to and including Afghanistan. Those leading the Blesma contingent were Major Stephen Hambrook, Captain Anthony Harris & Lieutenant William Dixon. Member Major
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Pensions for life for surviving spouses and civil partners
10 November 2014
Widows, widowers and surviving civil partners of all members of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme will now retain their pensions for life. From 1 April 2015 all survivors’ pensions awarded to armed forces spouses and civil partners will be for life. Those already in receipt of a survivor’s pension will be entitled to keep their pension for life if they decide to remarry, cohabit or form a civil partnership after this date. Previously, some may have had to surrender their pensions upon such changes in their circumstances. The decision highlights the government’s commitment to th
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Defence Committee calls for more resources to support mental health
3 November 2014
The House of Commons Defence Committee has recommended more resources should be devoted to address mental health issues in the military. In 2011, the Committee found that the MOD provided first class medical treatment and rehabilitation for wounded and injured personnel. But the Committee raised concerns about the longer term support for those who devolped severe and life limiting, physical, mental health and neurological problems in later life. Armed Forces personnel as a whole suffer similar rates of mental health problems to the
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Great Dunmow Round Table
10 October 2014
The group set out to raise £40,000 for Blesma by cycling 165 miles from Great Dunmow, Essex to Ypres. They embarked on their challenge from Great Dunmow safe in the knowledge that they had hit their target but are now astounded to know their efforts have secured £53,000. Chairman Mike Dalton added: “Setting off knowing we had hit our £40,000 target was fantastic. The fact we have now raised £53,000 is outstanding. The effort everybody put in and the generosity of the people who donated was just incredible.”
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