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.
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Blesma Members take part in Therapeutic Water Rescues with Newfoundlands
A number of Blesma Members were recently pulled safely from a chilly lake in Leicestershire. This is anything but a shaggy dog story. Walker, a four-year-old Newfoundland, is intensely focused on his latest vital mission. Unfazed by the cold water and commotion, and oblivious to any risk, his only concern is to bring the people to safety. The giant dog has already plunged into the chilly lake repeatedly to demonstrate his impressive life-saving skills that, combined with his gentle personality traits, provide a reassuring presence to those in ‘danger’. Thankfully for the Blesma Members who are being pulled from the water back to the banks by Walker and the other dogs, this is just a simulation exercise; an interesting day out with rescue dogs, whose swimming abilities have been an asset to fishermen and sailors for centuries. The Newfoundlands swimming abilities have been an asset to fishermen and sailors for centuries. Sometimes, the best therapy comes with a wagging tail and a big splash! “It has been an incredible experience and the dogs were simply marvellous,” says Sarah Criddle, Blesma Outreach Officer Midlands, who organised the event in Leicestershire. “A friend of mine who is a paramedic had been to a similar event and said how good it was. I’m always looking for different and interesting things for our Members to try, and this sounded like it would be perfect! “I got in touch with Pete Lewin, who runs the events, to find out a bit more. He had never worked with a group like Blesma before, but we discussed what we’d like to do and what the requirements would be, and Pete worked out how the day would run,” says Sarah, who served in the military for 13 years and worked in employment support before joining Blesma. I was intrigued to try it because I’d not heard of anything like it. I wasn’t sure what to expect – it’s not every day you get rescued by a giant dog! Former Marine Chay Coulbert “On the day, the Members and their carers were all able to get into the water and wait for the dogs to jump in and swim out to them. They were all ‘rescued’ by grabbing onto the dogs’ harnesses and letting the dogs pull them back to the bank. Afterwards, everyone also had the chance to just sit and relax with these super- friendly dogs out of the water. It was a chance to get back to nature, and the wellbeing factor was a really powerful part of the day.” Newfies connect with people Seven Blesma Members, along with their carers and family members, made their way to Stanton Lakes in Leicestershire where they were kitted out with wetsuits and briefed by Pete Lewin, a Newfoundland breeder and trainer, who was supported on the day by a number of volunteers from the paramedics and several police forces. Seven Blesma Members, along with their carers and family members Pete, who is himself a paramedic, has been organising emotional support swims, water rescue demonstrations and educational visits with his dogs for more than 10 years with the aim of boosting mental health and wellbeing while demonstrating the dogs’ life-saving abilities. Newfoundlands can grow to 28 inches tall and can weigh up to 80kg, and their webbed paws and thick, water-resistant coat make them surprisingly agile in the water and relatively immune to cold temperatures. “Newfies are renowned for their abilities in the water. They are not authorised to be used for rescue in the UK, but they are used by emergency services in other countries where they have even been known to leap from helicopters to help people in distress in the water!” says Pete. “But they are much more than simply great rescue dogs; all Newfies seem to have incredible personalities that connect with people, and being in their company often has an amazing restorative and uplifting impact. “On a previous event that we ran with a different group, one particular lady had incredibly low mood and was really struggling with her mental health, but when the dog swam out to her she said it was like the Newfie was looking into her soul. The experience gave her an amazing boost and she is still here today, perhaps in part because of the dogs! “These are big dogs, but their characters are 10 times bigger. They just have an incredible ability to calm and uplift people. We’ve had other experiences of people who have been on the brink, really struggling to find any positive feelings about themselves, who have been completely changed by spending time with the dogs. The dogs put their head in your lap and just seem to know when you’re in a bad way.” Richard Gilbert experience Blesma Member and Trustee Richard Gilbert, a former PTI in the RAF who has also served in the Metropolitan Police, loves adrenaline-fuelled sports “I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, the whole day was therapeutic and calming” “I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, the whole day was therapeutic and calming,” says Richard. “It was surreal because you just lie in the water while the dogs drag you back to the bank. They seem to manage it with little effort and no noise. It doesn’t seem like a chore for them, so it makes it all very calming. The whole thing just put me in a reflective mood. “Pete, who trains the dogs and runs the event, is fantastic. He had never done an event for amputees before so this was a little bit ofa learning curve for him as well as for us. But being a paramedic, he has an understanding of the challenges. Jumping into a cold, mossy lake was a complete change from other Blesma activities, but everyone got a lot from it.” Richard, who is a member of a veterans’ motorbike rehab team, is two years into life as a Blesma Trustee and is part of the drive to ensure the Association is in the best health to fulfil its objectives for Members. “There are challenges from the financial climate, but we are all working hard to address them,” he says. “Blesma continues to put its Members first, supporting them through life, and part of that is being able to put on incredible activities such as swimming with Newfoundland dogs. “It was a great experience and I’m sure it is something that could be repeated so that other Members are able to benefit.” An amazing experience One Member who got a lot out of the day was Alan Farr, whose right leg was amputated above the knee two years ago. “Getting into the wetsuits was a bit of a struggle, but there was great banter and everyone just got on with it,” says Alan, who lives in Derbyshire and served for 19 years in the 1st Battalion Prince of Wales’s Own Regiment of Yorkshire. “I got out in the water, and to have a dog come out to me and give me a ride back was like nothing I’d experienced. It was superb! These dogs are absolutely fantastic. I had actually drifted out quite a way and then called the dog, and he just splashed into the water and swam out to me no trouble. I grabbed hold of his harness and off he went. Amazing! These are big dogs but their characters are bigger The dogs put their head in your lap and just seem to know when you’re in a bad way “I was able to go out into the water three times and thoroughly enjoyed each time. Later, it was good to just sit on the bank and be with the dogs – they were so chilled. You felt secure with them and it was very relaxing; they’re gentle giants!” Former Royal Marine Chay Coulbert, 35, who was injured on his second tour of Afghanistan, found extra comfort from the event as he was dealing with the loss of his Irish Wolfhound, Frank. “Frank passed away six months ago, so it was good to be in the water playing with these dogs. They are enormous but really friendly, and I really enjoyed the experience,” says Chay, a single leg amputee from Staffordshire who served two tours in Afghanistan before being injured. “You could just relax as they dragged you through the water. As an ex-Marine, it was good to be in the water, but this was a totally new experience and something I would do again. I was intrigued to try it because I’d not heard of anything like it. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was really good and I would have liked to have done more – it’s not every day you get to jump in a lake and get rescued by a giant dog! These Blesma group experiences are always great as standalone activities, but then there’s also the added element of being with other people who have gone through similar situations – many of them more difficult than mine. That definitely helps to put things into perspective.” It gave everyone involved some time to just forget about everything that was going on in their lives. It was like nothing any of us had experienced. Big dogs making a massive impact After an exhausting day in the lake, Pete is busy drying off the dogs (not an inconsiderable challenge!) and putting them safely back in his van for a well-earned rest. “The Blesma team were incredible,” he says. “It was a pretty cold day, but everyone just got involved and there was great banter between us all. There were no complaints, and it was just inspiring to be around all the Members and their families. There were no complaints, and it was just inspiring to be around all the Members and their families. “People ask me if I should be taking people with disabilities out in the water, but why shouldn’t I? Why should they not be allowed to do this? When I first started thinking about running these events, we went to a lake with some friends and their son, who has multiple sclerosis. When he got into the water with the dogs his first words were: ‘I’m free!’ Hopefully, we are making a small difference. It is very simple stuff; swimming with the dogs is such a small thing, but it has a massive impact. “It is the most humbling thing to see people turn up at the start of the day unsure of what to expect and then coming away hours later having said that it was more than they could have imagined. I loved having the Blesma Members here and would definitely welcome them back.” Sarah is now looking to organise a repeat event with Pete’s Newfies some time in the new year. “It was a fantastic day, something completely different and I’m sure other Members would love to give it a try,” she says. “It gave everyone involved some time to just forget about everything that was going on in their lives and marvel at what these beautiful dogs can do. It was like nothing any of us had experienced before.” The Activities Team has published its calendar of events for 2025. Discover what’s on offer and find out how to apply for your free place here
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D Day Veteran Roy Hayward dies aged 99
Roy Hayward, one of the last surviving veterans from the D-Day Landings, has died peacefully, aged 99. Roy, who was celebrated as a national hero at the 80th anniversary of the landings attended by Prince William earlier this year, was just 19 when he joined the Allied invasion. He lost both his legs when the tank he was in took a direct hit as his unit pushed into Normandy from Gold Beach and Roy returned to his job working in a bank after rehabilitation from his injuries. He received a standing ovation at the commemoration in Portsmouth in June this year and was personally thanked by members of the Royal Family and senior figures for his service and sacrifice but he said with characteristic modesty: My wounds were a bit of bad luck and my thoughts are always with those who did not return home. Roy was awarded France’s highest military honour, the Legion d’Honneur Roy attended the 80th anniversary of D-Day and was personally thanked by members of the Royal Family Roy joined Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, after the war and represented its Members’ interests as Isle of Wight branch treasurer when he retired from the bank. “Roy was a remarkable person and he will be sadly missed by so many people,” said Vivienne Buck, chief executive of Blesma, which has championed the welfare of amputee veterans since the aftermath of WW1. “He was typical of that generation in that he did not complain or dwell on what had happened. He just got on with life and even commuted from his home in Surrey, cycling to his local station on rudimentary prosthetics to catch a train into London every day. “Roy’s first concern was always for others and he worked hard to represent Blesma Members during his time as a branch official. I know he took a lot of satisfaction in helping other amputees and veterans. “We were delighted to have known Roy at Blesma and honoured to have had him as a Member of our charity.” Roy, who was awarded France’s highest military honour, the Legion d’Honneur, rarely spoke about his part in D-Day but he joined the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry Tank Regiment as an 18-year-old as the Allies geared up for the invasion. His unit landed in the evening and were soon in the action and he was in a Sherman tank as they clashed with the 12th SS Panzer Division at Fontenay-le-Pesnel. His tank was hit by a shell and immediately started to burn. He managed to push a fellow crew member out and, despite horrific injuries, get himself clear before it was engulfed in flames. Roy was rescued by medics and had his legs amputated at a nearby field hospital before being shipped back to Portsmouth for extensive treatment and rehabilitation in four different hospitals. He joined Blesma and stated: “I got the feeling they were behind me and they were going to see I would get the pension and allowances I was entitled to that I might not have been able to do myself. I felt they were there on my side and always available, I didn’t need too much at first but it was good to know they were in your corner. It gave a feeling of confidence.” Roy met his wife Barbara at the bank and they married in 1948 before later settling at Seaview, on the Isle of Wight. Roy Hayward lost both his legs when the tank he was in took a direct hit as his unit pushed into Normandy from Gold Beach
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Time to get outside and enjoy the ride
Cycling has always been incredibly popular with members because of the chance to get outdoors and challenge yourself in the company of like-minded people. who else fancies a bit of this? The effort from pedaling the long and winding roads eased into the background as Blesma cyclists enjoyed a pub meal to celebrate their achievements. The humor and banter soon overcame tired, aching muscles during the ‘mini adventure’ in North Wales, which saw eight riders set off on four days of cycling through stunning scenery. Organized by Blesma member and keen cyclist Mitch Singleton, the trip provided the team with a unique opportunity to ride together and take in the sights along hand-picked routes around the region. With backdrops of outstanding natural beauty, including Anglesey and Puffin Island, the Great Orme above Llandudno, and Penrhyn and Caernarfon Castles, the week was an assault on the senses as well as the muscles. “I thoroughly enjoyed it, and it was a great way to meet up with Blesma friends and get to know new ones,” says Martin Kettrick, who attended with his wife, Christine. “The rides were of varying lengths—between 15 and 30 miles—across good terrain and roads.” The week catered for Members with a range of injuries The rides were of varying lengths – between 15 and 30 miles – across good terrain and roads “We had some fair climbs, which were challenging, but that was good because it brought out the team spirit, with everyone helping and encouraging each other. Teamwork is a major part of what these rides are all about, and it was great to be a part of that. “We had a fantastic support team: an ex-Royal Marine and a couple of former policemen who were really good lads and gave up their free time to help—they couldn’t do enough for us,” adds Martin, 67, from Staffordshire, who was severely injured in a climbing accident while in the Royal Marines. “I am a paraplegic and use a special hand-bike, and the rides were good for me, so I would recommend it to others. My bike, which is electric, has been a lifeline for me. I can still get out, go cycling, and enjoy the ride. I still have to pedal and work hard, but as I get older, the electric bike helps and means I can still do things like this rather than miss out. “It has certainly prolonged my cycling life and has meant I could be with the group and enjoy a really rewarding time out in the fresh air.” Three Epic Routes The team assembled on a Sunday at the Disabled Riding Centre in Llanfynydd, Flintshire, North Wales—a purpose-built horse riding centre for those with a disability, which was to be their base for the week. The first day took them from Hoylake to Chester along the Wirral Way onto the Millennium Greenway, while the second day featured the breathtaking Ystwyth Trail between Tregaron and Aberystwyth. With a rest day built into the program, the final cycling day followed the North Wales Coastal Route from Llanfairfechan to Caernarfon Castle. The stunning scenery of North Wales played host to Blesma’s most recent cycling adventure The team enjoyed incredible hospitality and evening meals at both the Dinorben Arms in Bodfari and the Cross Keys at Llanfynydd after their endeavors, but a highlight was fish and chips on the seafront at Aberystwyth after a long, hard day of cycling along the Ystwyth Trail in Mid Wales. “It was a tough week to organize, with a lot of logistical glitches, but we got there and had a good time,” says Mitch Singleton, a former Royal Marines Commando. “It was billed as a mini adventure and a chance to get away, and the riders certainly had the opportunity to go to new places and enjoy the stunning Welsh countryside. There were some spectacular views and places of interest along the routes.” “The great thing about it was that it brought people together. David Grant, at 32, was the youngest member there, with Craig Howorth the next ‘young man’ at 58, while our oldest cyclist was 67. It was great to watch these ‘old guys,’ myself included, turn into young men again. Listening to the banter and chirping between the group felt like we were 16 again, just joining the services on our first adventure. You are cycling with a group of like-minded people, all working to the same end and helping each other along the way “When you join any military service, you become part of a group. That gives you many obstacles throughout your career, but most importantly, it also brings many moments to treasure. Alongside this are the benefits to your physical and mental health. Here, you are cycling with a group of like-minded people, all working towards the same end: completing the route and helping each other along the way.” Something for Everyone Mitch, who lives in North Wales, is considering other cycling events for 2025 that offer opportunities for all types of riders, from beginners to those who are more experienced, as well as trips that might focus on sit-up bikes, hand-cycles, or recumbents, or accommodate wheelchairs. I still have to work hard, but as I get older the electric bike means i can still do things like this rather than miss out “There was some learning from this trip for me as an organizer, which we can get right for future events, and I strongly believe they will provide a great experience for Blesma members,” he adds. “We can change routes and venues, tweak things, and arrange events in different locations throughout the country. “It is a fantastic opportunity to meet and mix with friends new and old who have similar backgrounds and experiences. It is a real chance to get out and enjoy the countryside with some fantastic views, fully supported by a great team at HQ and the volunteers, who are so important. We couldn’t have put this event on without volunteers like Russ Humphreys. They are a special part of Blesma and really put themselves out to ensure members get the best from any activity. The first day took them from Hoylake to Chester along the Wirral Way onto the Millennium Greenway The final cycling day followed the North Wales Coastal Route from Llanfairfechan to Caernarfon Castle Giving Up Their Time Volunteers like former Royal Marine and firefighter Russ Humphreys played an integral role in the North Wales bike ride. “It was a great week despite one or two teething problems and the odd logistical challenge,” says the 65-year-old from Shrewsbury, who is a Blesma volunteer in the North West and regularly helps out with a number of activities. “Mitch asked if I would like to help out, and I jumped at the chance. I’ve been volunteering full-time for Blesma for about three years and help out with activities such as archery, clay pigeon shooting, and zip wire. “During the week, it was my role to load the bikes every morning and transport them to the daily start points, all prepped and ready to go for the members to start their day. I’d meet them along the route for refreshment stops before loading up at the end of the ride and driving the bikes back to the accommodation. “There is so much organization that goes on behind the scenes to put on an event like this, and Mitch did a great job. I think we’ve all learned a lot from it, and that experience will help make future events even better. “The riders had a good week, and many of them are looking forward to future events. Hopefully, experiences like this will attract other members. There is definitely a lot of enthusiasm for more cycling events around the country.” Sign up to the Activities email newsletter to stay up to date with all the events. Email eventscal@blesma.org and ask to be added to the subscription list.
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