Reserves Day

In 2024, Reserves Day will take place on Wednesday, 26th June, which is in the middle of Armed Forces Week.

Reserves Day celebrates all of the Reservists who sacrifice their spare time and work part-time to serve in the British Reserve Forces. 

Britain’s Reserve Forces contribute significantly and play a vital role towards the national security of the United Kingdom, as well as helping towards upholding peace across the world.

Did you know? As of 2023, the Reserves make up to 18% of the British Armed Forces. The Reserve Forces often work alongside full-time Armed Forces military personnel across the Army, Navy and Air Force.  

During Reserves Day, there will be events held across Armed Forces Week to say thank you to our Reserve Forces. Make sure to keep an eye out to see what events are taking place near you by using the Armed Forces Day events calendar. 

Meet Blesma Member and Former British Army Reservist, Jamie Hull

Former British Army Reservist, Jamie Hull was training to be a pilot in the United States when his engine caught fire. Jamie had less than a minute to make an escape whilst at an altitude of 1,000ft, and with no parachute. 

With flames roaring around him, he managed to rapidly descend the plane and climb onto the wing and leap out before the plane hit the ground and burst into flames.

Remarkably, Jamie survived the crash landing. As a result of the near fatal crash and flames, he sustained horrific third-degree burns over 60% of his body and was immediately hospitalised with just a 5% chance of survival. But he defied the odds. 

Jamie spent six months in intensive care in an induced coma in the United States. As a result of his extreme burns, he endured renal (kidney) failure, internal injuries, kidney dialysis, pneumonia, and septicaemia. Jamie was hospitalised for a further 18 months back home in the UK.

While starting to recover, Jamie joined Blesma, not because of the burns to his body, but because of the nerve damage he suffered in the lower portion of both legs. Since joining Blesma, Jamie has been skydiving and horse riding in Arizona, but the water remains his focus. He also took part in Race Across America – a 3,000 mile bike ride across the States.

Blesma is committed to helping its Members live independent and fulfilling lives after suffering the loss of limbs, use of limbs, sight, speech or hearing.

Support an Armed Forces charity during Armed Forces Week and Reserves Day

If you head to any event during Armed Forces Week, which coincides with Reserves Day, you are likely to come across different Armed Forces charities helping out and raising funds to support the Armed Forces community. 

At Blesma, our veteran Members and team members will be at a variety of Armed Forces Week events across the UK. If you spot our T-shirts or banners, come on over and say hello. If you'd like to volunteer your time during Armed Forces Week, please email us at fundraising@blesma.org.