Thank you for taking the time to consider me for your support.  I hope you are able to help a worthwhile cause that means a great deal to me.

I have had the chance to see, first hand, what amazing work BLESMA do for our injured soldiers.  The support they give is lifelong and its importance cannot be overstated.  I was amazed at the impact that the 2008 trans-Atlantic sail had on the men involved.  One poignant case involved a soldier who lost his leg to a sniper in Northern Ireland over 30 years ago.  The trip completely transformed his life, giving him a huge confidence boost, his independence back and allowing him to believe that he could try to wear a prosthesis again.  A year later and he's walking again after 30 years on crutches!

BLESMA rang me out of the blue and asked me if I still wanted a place on this year's London Marathon.  I asked for 24 hours to think about it and failed to come up with a good reason to say no.  So here I am about to embark on a marathon just over two years after having my foot amputated.  I went for the chop because I wanted to be able to run again.  I guess you should be careful what you wish for.

Your support, if you can provide it, will help BLESMA's important work continue.  The next generation of military amputees are going to need significant help as their lives unfold.  My Battalion alone has lost 6 pairs of legs in the last 6 months in Afghanistan.  If you can, please show your support, I am sure it will help ease the pain of my 26 miles!