Events - Annual Ski Bob Rehabilitation

Annual Ski Bob Rehabilitation, Austria

The aim of the trip is to help British limbless servicemen come to terms with their disabilities by teaching them ski-bobbing. Akin to skiing but with mountain bikes. A stable, although faster, ride.

Given the current military commitments, there were some very young men on this trip. For example, Private Matt Woollard, aged 19, trod on 3 anti-personnel mines in Afghanistan planted by the Taliban and had lost his right foot, as well as suffering considerable damage to his arms. Trooper Steve Shine, aged 23, lost his left leg above the knee and most of his right calf muscle when his Challenger tank was blown up in Iraq. Guardsman Scott Blaney, 21, lost his leg and badly injured his arm when his patrol was ambushed by the Taliban in Afghanistan killing one and wounding him and two others. He not only pulled himself out of the ambush, applying a tourniquet and injecting himself with morphine, but also pulled one of his friends out while returning fire on the Taliban, killing 3 of them.

The quiet courage and determination of these young men to overcome the injuries they had suffered in service to their country, and that of others who had lost limbs through accident or illness was quite remarkable. The attitude of these men and women was consistently positive. They are all more than happy to talk about what had happened to them, how their lives had changed and what they felt about the future. They have a unique sense of humour and approach to life.

There was a constant stream of jokes, both verbal and practical, and I quickly found that no-one was safe! Within a couple of days on the slope, all were skiing challenging runs including Vince Manley, who had lost both legs to a Roadside Bomb in Iraq. The culmination of the week are the assessments, which all deservedly passed, and a round of presentations for most improved (and one for best and most spectacular fall).

This has been a most rewarding experience. To work with such a remarkable group of brave and determined people has been inspiring and I am proud to have met them. This week has taught me just how important BLESMA is. While public focus is on those who have been injured on operations, BLESMA also offers essential support to those who have suffered due to road accidents, cancer and other non-operational causes, especially those no longer serving who do not have access to the in-service avenues of support.

Lt Col Matthew Tresidder