The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester support Blesma
TRH The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester to receive injured veterans at the Tower of London on SR UK 2014
On Friday 10 October, 30 injured veterans having cycled over 125 miles will be received by The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester at the HM Tower of London.
With its roots in the aftermath of WWI, Blesma organises SR UK 2014, a five day long cycling tour which brings together wounded warriors from Britain and the USA.
Many limbless riders, on adapted cycles and hand bikes, will set off from Woburn Abbey on the borders of Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire on Sunday 5 October, and having ridden past some iconic locations in Oxford, Cambridge and Blenheim, the bike ride will culminate at HM Tower of London on the afternoon of Friday 10 October.
Blesma is really looking forward to The Duke of Gloucester, Patron, and The Duchess of Gloucester greeting SR UK cyclists at the end of their 6 day journey. These injured veterans from the UK and USA will be thrilled but very tired and the reception will be a great lift for them, to round off this inspiring challenge.
Barry LeGrys, Chief Executive
Formerly known as Soldier Ride, Blesma has run the event in partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project in the US for four years now. Last year, Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice of York waved the riders on as they set off on a crisp autumn morning from Windsor Castle.
For more on Blesma or to donate click on www.blesma.org
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Notes to Editor
Hi-res images can be downloaded from the links below:
HRH Princess Beatrice with riders at Windsor Castle (SR UK 2013) /media/75851/Riders-at-Windsor.jpg
Blesma logo /media/161741/B-Blesma-Logo-small-use-10814.jpg
Wounded Warrior Project logo /media/77907/WWP.jpg
About The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester
The Duke of Gloucester is the second son of the late Duke of Gloucester and the late Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester (third daughter of the 7th Duke of Buccleuch). He is a grandson of George V and a first cousin to The Queen. He became heir to his father's titles in June 1974.
The Duchess of Gloucester GCVO (formerly van Deurs), is the wife of Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Together with her husband, she undertakes royal duties on behalf of The Queen.
About Blesma, The Limbless Veterans
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.
About Soldier Ride and Wounded Warrior Project
Soldier Ride now serves wounded veterans all across the United States and in England, Germany, France and Israel. It is a unique four-day cycling opportunity for wounded soldiers to use cycling and the bonds of service to overcome physical, mental, or emotional wounds. Wounded Warrior Project’s pledge is to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history. They are honoured to be celebrating their 10th anniversary this year.
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For further information on Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, contact
Prarthana Rao, Communications Lead
T: 07770919760