Providing support to limbless and injured veterans for life
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, is dedicated to assisting serving and ex-Service men and women who have suffered life-changing limb loss or the use of a limb, an eye or loss of sight in the honourable service of our country.
Our Mission
To assist limbless veterans to lead independent and fulfilling lives
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, is an Armed Forces charity dedicated to assisting serving and ex-Service men and women who have suffered life-changing limbloss or the use of a limb, an eye or sight. We support these men and women in their communities throughout the UK.
Other ways to help
Celebrate your life with a gift to Blesma by remembering us in your will
Find out howFundraise for Blesma and your efforts will help the lives of our limbless veterans
See our fundraisersOur News
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Join Blesma’s Board of Trustees
Members are invited to nominate Members to become Blesma Trustees if they so wish. There is currently one Member Trustee who intends to retire at this AGM and two who will stand for re-election. Additionally, there is one Non-Member Trustee seeking re-election and one Non-Member resignation. Submit a nomination If you wish to nominate a candidate, please click the button below and complete the online form before midday on Friday 27 March 2026. You will need to provide the details of a Seconder. Please note that when you submit your nomination, your Seconder will be emailed a link to an online form to confirm their support of the nomination. Please ensure you leave sufficient time for them to complete the form before the deadline of midday on Friday 27 March 2026. What happens next Candidates will then be invited to an interview with a panel of Trustees in order that the Board can make recommendations to the Membership at the AGM. Nominate Here
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National Alliance Launches Campaign to Raise Awareness of Limb Loss and Limb Difference Across the UK
A powerful new national campaign bringing together leading charities across the UK has launched this April to raise awareness of limb loss and limb difference and highlight the growing need for support. The Limb Loss and Limb Difference Alliance — a collaboration between organisations including Reach, Finding Your Feet, LimbPower, Steel Bones, Amputation Foundation and Blesma — is leading a coordinated campaign throughout Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month. The campaign aims to challenge misconceptions, share lived experiences and highlight the realities of life with limb loss and limb difference, while showcasing the strength, resilience and diversity of the community. Through a series of engaging videos shared across social media, the campaign uses creative storytelling formats such as “Passing the Emoji” “Myth Busting,” “Challenges,” and “Real Questions” to bring the voices of the community directly to the public. The campaign comes at a critical time.More than 12,000 major amputations are now carried out in NHS England each year, a significant rise driven by conditions such as diabetes, sepsis, cancer and vascular disease. At the same time, around one in 1,900 babies are born with a limb difference, meaning thousands of children and families require ongoing support, prosthetic care and rehabilitation. Despite this growing need, campaigners highlight that access to services can still vary significantly depending on location, with only a limited number of specialist prosthetic centres across the UK and ongoing challenges around funding, provision and awareness. A spokesperson for the Limb Loss and Limb Difference Alliance said: “This campaign is about visibility, understanding and connection. Too often, people living with limb loss or limb difference face misconceptions or feel isolated. By coming together as an alliance, we are showing the strength of our community, sharing real experiences, and helping the public better understand the realities of everyday life. With rising amputation rates and more people living with limb difference than ever before, it is vital that awareness, services and support continue to grow alongside that need.” The campaign will culminate in a parliamentary event on 29 April, where members of the limb loss and limb difference community will come together to ensure their voices are heard at the heart of government. Throughout April, the Alliance will also share key facts to increase understanding, including the physical impact of limb loss. For example, above-knee amputees may use up to 60–100% more energy when walking, highlighting the often unseen challenges individuals face in daily life. The campaign also emphasises the importance of language, encouraging the public to use respectful and inclusive terminology and to better understand how to support people with limb loss and limb difference. By working together, the Alliance hopes to create a more informed, inclusive society and ensure that everyone affected by limb loss or limb difference has access to the support they need to live full and independent lives. For more information, please visit Limb Loss and Limb DIfference website
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Blesma Launches “Human, Not Heroic” Podcast: Conversations That Go Beyond the Uniform
Blesma, the Limbless Veterans charity, has launched a powerful new podcast series, “Human, Not Heroic”, offering an honest look into the lives of those who’ve served, adapted, and rebuilt after life-changing injury. Listen Now Episode 1: Neil Heritage In the first episode, host Harry Bucknall sits down with Neil Heritage, a former soldier who lost both legs in Iraq after an IED attack — and went on to defy every expectation. Neil’s journey from injury to independence has taken him from hospital wards to mountain summits, Ironman triathlons, and global adventures. Together, Harry and Neil explore resilience, mental health, and the power of purpose — showing that recovery is never just physical. About Blesma Founded in 1932, Blesma, The Limbless Veterans supports men and women who have lost limbs, the use of limbs, or sight while serving their country.The charity provides lifelong, practical and emotional support — from welfare grants and prosthetics advice to adaptive activities and peer connection — helping injured veterans live independent, fulfilling lives. Through the podcast, Blesma gives voice to this community and shines a light on the realities of life after serious injury. About Harry Bucknall Harry Bucknall served for twelve years as an officer in the Coldstream Guards before becoming an acclaimed author and travel writer.His adventures have taken him 5,500 miles across the Greek Archipelago (In the Dolphin’s Wake) and 1,400 miles on foot from London to Rome (Like a Tramp, Like a Pilgrim). A long-time supporter of Blesma, Harry brings warmth, empathy, and insight to his role as host — drawing on his own experiences of service, transition and rediscovery to guide thoughtful, down-to-earth conversations. 🎧 Listen Now Join host Harry Bucknall and guest Neil Heritage for Episode 1 of The Blesma Podcast. 👉 Listen on Spotify | PodBean | Buzzsprout | YouTube Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help us reach more veterans and families whose stories deserve to be heard.
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Get Involved
Across the UK, thousands of people are doing their bit to help
Whether you want to organise a big fundraiser in a group, take part in a Charity Event, complete a Charity Challenge on your own, or get your company involved in raising money for our limbless veterans, then go to our fundraising pages where you will find all the information you need, as well as events you can be part of.
