🎬 Our first TV ad stars @MarkOrmrod , the UK’s first triple amputee veteran.
“Changing nappies is hard enough when you have all your limbs available.”
Blesma is committed to supporting veterans through every challenge. Share to help spread the word! 🌟
#BlesmaTVAd#MarkOrmrod
Ten years ago, RAF parachute instructor Rob Bugden’s life changed in an instant. During a training jump, a mid-air collision sent him plummeting nearly 1,000ft.
He woke up paralysed from the neck down — a quadriplegic with no memory of the fall.
After a tracheostomy, stomach peg, pacemaker, and multiple surgeries, Rob refused to give up.
Today he’s back in the gym, enjoys the pub with mates, and has his dog Denzel as his constant companion.
Incredible resilience
Alison served in the Women's Royal Air Force — working alongside Phantoms, Vulcans, and Harriers. ✈️
In 2019, suspected food poisoning turned into life-threatening sepsis. Alison survived a triple amputation. "I'm still here. You have to look for the positives and get on with life."
Through Blesma, Alison found something just as important as practical support:
people who truly understand.
"It is all about making those vital social connections"
#Blesma #MeetOurMembers #LimblessVeterans
Lexi served in the Royal Signals before a debilitating chronic pain condition led to her leg being amputated in 2019. Since then, she has set seven wheelchair endurance world records.
Next up? Alpe d'Huez. 13.8km. The day before the Tour de France.
"It's going to be really tough, but I'm hoping to complete it in about 2.5 hours."
Go on, Lexi. 💙
Today marks 15 years since the end of Operation TELIC in Iraq. We remember the 179 who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Blesma Member Stephen Shine was in a Challenger 2 tank in Basra when it was hit by an IED.
“My legs were mincemeat… my leg just separated.”
Despite this, he’s rebuilt his life with incredible resilience and now enjoys CrossFit — with his loyal dog by his side.
Lest We Forget 🇬🇧
Tom, lost both legs in a bomb blast while serving in Afghanistan in 2010. He was 19 years old.
Now, years later, Tom is married with three young children.
Blesma supported Tom through the Veterans’ Mobility Fund to get a power hand bike. It means he can get outside and enjoy cycling with his children 💙
Former British Army soldier Daniel Eden was involved in a serious road traffic collision.
After years of operations and complications, he made the tough decision to have his right arm amputated above the elbow.
Now this Blesma Member is aiming for the Guinness World Record — the greatest distance Nordic skied in 24 hours by a person with a disability.
Meet Vinod Budhathoki, a Gurkha veteran from 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles.
In 2010 in Afghanistan, an explosion took both of his legs. While lying injured, he thought of his pregnant wife: “I worried how she would be if I died.”
Now a proud Blesma Member, Vinod says: “Blesma has helped me a lot… It is good to meet and talk to other Members. I feel lucky because I lost so many friends who I served with."
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, is an armed forces charity supporting limbless veterans in the UK for the duration of their lives. We are proud to provide rehabilitative activities, welfare support and financial help. Find out more, including fundraising ideas and events.
Corporal Colin Hamilton lost his leg in Kosovo.
Despite his injuries, he fought his way back and returned to active service in the British Army.
“I had to stay behind when the regiment went to Iraq and I hated every minute of it. But I���ve proved I can do my job just as well as anyone now. Being back with my mates is the best form of rehabilitation you can get.”
Absolute respect, Colin. 🇬🇧
Alison served in the Women’s Royal Air Force, working on iconic aircraft like Phantoms, Vulcans & Harriers.
In 2019, sepsis changed everything — leading to a triple amputation.
Her attitude? “I’m still here. You have to look for the positives and get on with life.”
Through Blesma, she found people who truly understand and vital social connections. Blesma is here for life
VE Day 🇬🇧
Royal Marines Commando Vincent Horton landed on Juno Beach on D-Day. Just 9 days later he stepped on a mine and lost both legs.
He survived, became a proud Blesma Member, and enjoyed many trips with us before passing in 2017.
Lest We Forget.
Honouring Arnold Loosemore, VC DCM
In WW1, Arnold single-handedly took on a German machine-gun position. Crawling under wire with his Lewis gun, he killed around 20 enemy soldiers, then fought off three more with just his revolver.
He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his extraordinary bravery. Later promoted to Sergeant and awarded the DCM, Arnold survived the war but lost his leg to a gunshot wound.
He died from tuberculosis in 1924, aged just 27. Lest We Forget.
#WeWillRememberThem
Huge congratulations to Blesma Member Mark Howard!
Injured in service, Mark took on and completed his 5th London Marathon — handcycling the full 26.2 miles in his wheelchair.
Lamin from The Gambia joined 1st Battalion The Irish Guards.
On patrol in Afghanistan, he stepped on a Taliban IED and lost both legs above the knee and his right arm.
"I thought I was going to be useless… that I would never be able to do anything for myself.”
With Blesma’s support through his darkest moments, Lamin found strength, resilience, and hope.
“Blesma stood by my side… Their support network was always there. I cannot be more grateful.”
Respect, Lamin 🫡