Steve - War amputee and full-time dad will run the Virgin London Marathon

6 March 2013

Steven Crowley, 36 from Devon who lost one of his legs in an IED explosion in Iraq will run the Virgin London Marathon on Sunday 21 April 2013 to raise money for a Romford-based social welfare charity.

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless serving and ex service men and women, their widows and dependants. It was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932.

Steven lives in Exeter with his partner and 2 children and is enjoying fatherhood as he recovers from the loss of his leg. He has attempted a couple of half marathons but this will be his very first full marathon.

Leon Collins from Hounslow, who served in the Army with Steven, will be supporting his friend by running the marathon with a spare leg just in case Steven was to need it.

Steven tells us why he chose to raise funds for Blesma, The Limbless Veterans: “I want to say a huge thank you for the incredible support I have received from the team at Blesma. I have been on several rehab events with them - skiing in Colorado, diving and Soldier Ride UK; and it really helped me regain my strength and focus when I needed it the most. Both Leon and I are very pleased to be able to give something back to this fantastic charity in our own little ways!”

Sarah Goddard, Senior Fundraising Executive at Blesma says: “The Virgin London Marathon is one of our biggest event in the fundraising calendar. I am continually impressed by our runners and their hard work fundraising and training through the long winter months. The money raised is invaluable to our work and I cannot thank Steven and Leon enough for their support and dedication”

To support Steven and Leon in their endeavour, please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/steveandLeon

For more information on Blesma, The Limbless Veterans visit www.blesma.org

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless serving and ex-service men and women, their widows and dependants.

It is a membership organisation which helps wounded service men and women rebuild their lives by providing rehabilitation activities and welfare support. Their membership includes those who have lost the use of a limb, an eye or the sight of an eye.

Blesma was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932. Blesma today has over 4000 Members and widows. The membership consists of men and women who have served during the Second World War and the many subsequent conflicts and peacekeeping operations since, including the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.

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