Army Officer will be running the Virgin London Marathon for Blesma
4 March 2014
Ben Horne, 38, will be one of a number of runners taking part in this year’s Virgin London Marathon for Blesma, The Limbless Veterans.
Ben, originally from Solihull, is currently a Major based at Army HQ in Andover and works there as a Media Officer.
Ben says: “Having seen first-hand how Blesma can have such a huge positive impact on our injured Servicemen, I really wanted to support them and do something to see how much money I could raise for their amazingly worthwhile cause. I now understand how Blesma ensure that those who sustain injuries can look forward to the rest of their lives knowing that help and support is there when they need it.”
While out in Afghanistan with the Queen’s Royal Lancer’s in 2010, two of Ben’s soldiers -Sergeant Andrew Carlton and Corporal Andy Garthwaite, were injured in separate incidents. Both men lost limbs and are now two of over 4000 Members that Blesma support for life.
This will be Ben’s first marathon and he is keen to “make as much money as possible to help Blesma provide vital support to guys like Andrew Carlton and Andy Garthwaite.”
Elizabeth Pappalardo, Senior Fundraising Executive for Community & Events at Blesma says: “The fact that Major Ben Horne has been inspired by the plight of his soldiers encapsulates the kind of military camaraderie that Blesma also subscribes to. I would like to thank Ben and all our other runners for the commitment they have shown to the Blesma cause – their support allows us to keep empowering limbless veterans.”
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless 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.
To support Ben in raising money for Blesma, please go to: http://www.justgiving.com/BenHorne
Notes to Editor
Hi-res images can be downloaded from the link below:
www.blesma.org/media/104073/Ben-Horne.jpg