In July 2007, our team of 4 will be taking part in the Arctic Team Challenge http://www.atc.gl/; a 250Km race over 5 days in Greenland, consisting of Mountain trekking, Mountain biking, Kayaking and Glacier trekking.  The course includes over 9000 metres of vertical ascent.

The Charity we have chosen to support for this event is BLESMA (British Limbless Ex-Servicemen's Association). 

Whilst working as a doctor at Headley Court, the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, it was moving to see the number of young servicemen coming back missing limbs as a result of their service overseas.  For these people, the transition from being extremely fit and active to living with a disability is a hard contrast to get used to both mentally and physically. BLESMA is a charity that helps to ensure that they get the best possible support in their lives:

“Over two thousand surviving Ex-Service men and women have lost one or more limbs as a result of World War II, Korea, Suez, Aden, The Falklands, The Gulf, Northern Ireland and in support of the United Nations. For them the fight still goes on; to hold their own in the battle of life with a handicap which must always be theirs. Additionally BLESMA continues to care for some 2000 Widows.

BLESMA's Welfare Service is assisted by 36 Branches throughout the United Kingdom, manned by individuals all of whom give their services voluntarily, and work to ensure that no service limbless or immediate dependants shall needlessly suffer additional anxiety or hardship. The State machinery can handle this problem only in general terms. BLESMA concerns itself with INDIVIDUAL cases.”  http://www.blesma.org/

This worthy cause needs to raise over £1m each year to keep up the excellent work they do in supporting our injured servicemen so please be as generous as you can.

 

 

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association (Blesma) will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Many thanks for your support.

Ash