BLESMA is a national charity which aims to give counselling, care and support to ex-Servicemen and women who have lost limbs, the use of their limbs, or one or both eyes as a result of their time in the Armed Forces.  We also assist their needy dependants, in particular their Widows, and also those that suffer the trauma of the above after service.  Today we have some 2,200 limbless veterans from the 2nd World War and subsequent campaigns, and still they come from conflict and keeping the peace in so many other places around the world and from accidents suffered in training.  In addition we help where we can those ex-Service men and women who lose limbs later in life by facilitating funding and giving support and advice.  We receive no Government Grants and rely wholly on the generosity of the public.

From the outbreak of World War II and all conflicts since up to and including the present conflict in Afghanistan, many Members of BLESMA went to War young and whole.  They came home disabled for life.  The Association offers them the fellowship of shared experience, the welfare support they need and have fought for their interests over all the long years.

Whilst we do not wish to receive new Members due to the current conflict in Afghanistan, it is inevitable that we shall do so.  It is very important therefore that we are here to assist them in their recovery and rehabilitation from their injuries.

It has long been recognised that participation in sports provides the best form of rehabilitation to amputees and the Association has led the way in providing a variety of events to its members.  The members take part in a wide variety of sports and activities such as sailing, parachuting, gliding, canoeing, cycling, rowing, bowling, running and many others all of which assist in their rehabilitation.

At the core of BLESMA's work are the twin pillars of welfare and rehabilitation, which can include giving members the opportunity to take part in events such as their recent all amputee entry to the Fastnet Race.  "Rehabilitation plays a very important part in the lives of recent and relatively young amputees," explains Jerome Church, General Secretary and BLESMA Member, "whereas welfare is more important to our more elderly members."

Our work starts with rehabilitation - proving that there is life after amputation. Our work is about amputee helping amputee - the fellowship of shared experience. Our work is about life long welfare support, about campaigning for what they deserve and about being there when old injuries come back to haunt. Our youngest Member is 19 and our oldest is 99.  BLESMA's focus remains very much on meeting the needs of its members, and ensuring real quality of life – for life!

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