Great Dunmow Round Table Raise £56,000 for Injured Veterans

30 March 2015

A group of 34 cyclists from The Great Dunmow Round Table, and supporters from 33 Engineer Regiment have raised an incredible £56,000 for Blesma by cycling 165 miles from Great Dunmow, Essex to Ypres to lay a wreath at the Menin Gate in honour of those who lost their lives in WW1.

Chairman Mike Dalton said, “We set out to raise a target of £40,000, but the fact that we actually raised £56,000 is outstanding. The effort that everybody put in and the generosity of the people who donated to our team was just incredible.”

Receiving the cheque on behalf of Blesma was Chief Executive Barry Le Grys, and Blesma Members Jeremy Scarratt and Jonathan Bell.

Barry said “This sum raised by the Great Dunmow Round Table for Blesma is the largest from a single fundraising activity. This is an amazing and thoughtful achievement by an outstanding Table, and Blesma is forever grateful.”

Jonathan Bell, who served with the 1st Bn The Green Howards until he was seriously injured along with fifteen soldiers in a military training accident in 1993, said, “I suffered a life changing injury and was left paralysed from the upper chest whilst in service in the army when I was just 29. With Blesma’s support I was able to take part in rehabilitation activities, go back to University, and have an exciting career. Blesma played a huge part in rebuilding my life, and the support shown by the Great Dunmow Round Table Team will enable Blesma to continue supporting other injured servicemen and women.” 

Mike Dalton added "Laying the wreath at the Menin Gate will be a moment that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”

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.

 

Hi-res images can be downloaded from the links below:

L-R: Jeremy Scarratt (Blesma), Jonathan Bell (Blesma),  Mike Dalton (Chairman of the Great Dunmow Rount Table),  Major Phil Moxham (33 Regt) , Sgt Dan Seaton (33 Regt), Sgt Wayne Ansbro (33 Regt), Barry le Grys (Blesma CEO), SSgt Lori Morrison (33 Regt)

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