This September, we’re taking on the challenge of a lifetime! Trekking one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, The Great Wall of China, to raise vital funds for BLESMA, The Limbless Veterans Charity.

On Saturday 19th September, we travel to China to push ourselves to the absolute limit. Over five demanding days, we’ll trek nearly 50 kilometres across the rugged Yan Mountains, climbing more than 10,000 uneven steps, tackling steep ascents, and navigating crumbling, unrestored sections of the wall. Each day will mean 4–7 hours of continuous trekking on terrain that is as unforgiving as it is breathtaking.

This challenge is graded as challenging and it truly will be. It will test our endurance, strength, and resilience every single step of the way. In the months leading up to September, we’ll be training hard locally, clocking up miles on tough hikes and making sure both we and our kit are fully prepared for what lies ahead.

But this is about far more than the physical challenge.

We’re doing this to raise essential funds for BLESMA, a charity that provides lifelong support to limbless and injured veterans and their families.

Ray: “As an amputee myself, I know firsthand the life-changing difference BLESMA makes. They have supported me physically and mentally, providing specialist equipment, rehabilitation, advice, camaraderie, and opportunities that rebuild confidence and independence. Now! it’s my turn to give back.”

Christine and I have self funded the total cost of our places on this challenge, therefore 100% of all donations will be passed on directly to BLESMA

Every donation no matter the size will directly support veterans who have sacrificed so much. If you can, please consider sponsoring us, sharing our page, or helping us spread the word. Your support will carry us up every step, across every ridge, and through every tough mile.

Together, we can turn this epic challenge into real, lasting impact.

Ray: “For me personally this isn’t just a fundraising challenge, with my level of ability I like to keep active and show others who are no longer active, less active than they used to be or have been told for a lifetime they can’t! do something. With the right support and a can do attitude… Disability doesn’t have to be disabling!”

Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, is dedicated to assisting serving and ex-Service men and women who have suffered life-changing limb loss or the loss of use of a limb, an eye or loss of sight. We support these men and women in their communities throughout the UK and overseas.

We work tirelessly for our Members when the conflicts that have affected their lives are no longer a focal point in the nation’s media. Since 1932, we have been the only national Service charity that supports limbless veterans for the duration of their lives. Our Members range from the youngest amputee veterans to those who fought in WWII, some having lived with limb loss for more than half a century. Modern medicine transforms the physical injury, but it is a complicated process to treat the emotional trauma and related lifelong health problems.

Blesma provides a network where Members not only enjoy support from our professional Welfare Team, but where they have the opportunity to engage with others who have similar injuries and backgrounds to themselves, building an important fellowship with each other to overcome everyday battles.