Blesma’s First TV Ad: Mark Ormrod’s Mission Beyond the Battlefield
We’re excited to launch our first-ever TV commercial, starring former Royal Marines Commando and Afghan veteran @markormrod the UK’s first triple amputee to survive the battlefield. This video offers a heartfelt look at the everyday challenges our veterans face, reminding us that even heroes experience daily struggles.
“Changing nappies is hard enough when you have all your limbs available,” Mark shares. “The advert is light-hearted, but it has a powerful message because it shows that life goes on after an injury and that Blesma is there for us veterans for life.”
Our work relies on the generosity of those who support us in many ways. By leaving a Gift in your Will to Blesma, you help us continue providing lifelong support to veterans, ensuring they can lead independent and fulfilling lives.
Watch, enjoy, and share to help spread the word!
#blesma#veteranssupport#markormrod#giftinyourwill#veteranscharity#blesmatvad
Lamin, originally from The Gambia, joined 1st Battalion The Irish Guards when he was in his late twenties. He lost both his legs and his arm to a Taliban bomb whilst on patrol in Afghanistan.
"I don’t remember what happened, I just know what colleagues have told me. I stepped on an IED on operations in Afghanistan. I lost both legs above the knee and my arm above the elbow, as well as my two front teeth. I do remember lying on a stretcher, then I felt something go into my chest. Two weeks later I woke up in hospital in Birmingham.
I thought that was the end of everything in life for me. I thought I was going to be useless, that I would never be able to do anything for myself. Before, I liked to challenge myself but without my arm and legs I thought I wouldn’t be able to do that. It was devastating for me. It hit me hard.
At first, I felt I wouldn’t be able to give them the support they needed. But when I went to Headley Court I started to realise that no matter what your circumstances, there are always things you can do. I wanted to show my kids that nothing is impossible if you have resilience, that if you put in the effort you can get to where you want to be. Things happen that you have to accept rather than moaning and blaming others or yourself.
Blesma stood by my side in my darkest moments. No matter the time, day or night, their support network was always there. Without them I don’t know if things would be the same for me – I cannot be more grateful."
#veteran
#remembrance
Craig Wood served in the British Armed Forces as a Rifleman. He lost both his legs and left hand in a blast in Afghanistan, he was just 18.
Currently, his planning a solo sailing trip from Mexico to Japan at the end of 2024.
This adventure is to raise money for Blesma and Turn to Starboard to make a difference for many others.
"I suddenly found myself in a deep hole as a triple amputee, until I discovered my passion for sailing and travelling the world. Sailing helped me to overcome the feeling of being trapped and it showed me that everything is possible.
So just a few months later, I started my training for the Paralympics with support from Blesma and Turn 2 Starboard amongst many more organizations and charities. A new world of opportunity opened up, and a new purpose grew in me.
Today, my life has developed beyond my dreams. I managed to sail many parts of the world with some personal highlights being extensive journeying around Patagonia and as far south as 55 degrees, a mere 50 miles from the notorious Cape Horn. While on my travels I was fortunate enough to meet my wonderful wife that gifted me two amazing children."
Last year, care worker Keleigh Loveday took on the gruelling 25km Peak District Ultra Challenge in memory of her grandfather Cyd, a proud Scots Guardsman and Blesma Member.
She raised £690 for injured veterans! This May, Ultra Series Challenges are discounted and you can sign up to support veterans through a variety of challenges. Check out the offers at / #ultrachallenge #peakdistrict #veteranssupport #blesma #fundraising
Our Woodworking course brought Blesma Members together to learn, laugh, and create.
Over the course, they mastered a variety of joints — from cross-halving and dovetails to the classic mortise and tenon — before crafting their own beautiful oak phone stands to take home.
Every one of them has served their country. We are proud to serve them💙 #blesma#craft#veteransupport
Our "Cook It" programme is back — and it was a great success!
We recently wrapped up our second Cook It session in County Fermanagh, bringing together a wonderful group of members and partners to do what we love most — cook, connect, and share a great meal together.
Thanks to your support, we continue strengthening community among Blesma Members and their families. 💙
VE Day – Lest We Forget 🇬🇧
On this day in 1945, we celebrate Victory in Europe.
Today we remember Royal Marines Commando Vincent Horton, who landed on Juno Beach on D-Day. Just 9 days later, he stepped on an anti-personnel mine and lost both legs.
«The Germans started to shell me, so I switched routes – and that’s when I was blown up by a landmine and lost both my legs. I don’t remember much about it, although I do vividly recall that I thought I was going to die.
Vincent survived, became a proud Blesma Member, and enjoyed many trips and friendships with us over the years.
He passed away in 2017.We will remember him.
Thank you for your service, Vincent.
#lestweforget #VEDay #blesma #royalmarines #DDay
Blesma is the official charity partner for the spectacular @kingofthethamesswim open-water swim!
Join the fun on Suturday 27 June, and start in the shadow of Henry VIII’s palace and finish with a royal picnic and live music on Ravens Ait, a private island just upstream of Kingston.
⚡ 50% OFF Blesma charity places — limited spots available! ⚡
Join Team Blesma for just £42.50 (usually £85), including the post-swim finish party.
Minimum fundraising target: £150
Every pound you raise will help Blesma continue providing practical support, advice, rehabilitation, community and opportunities for limbless and injured veterans across the UK.
Find a registration link in our highlights! #kingofthethames #openwaterswim #blesma #charityswim #swimforacause #veteranssupport
As Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month comes to a close, we’re sharing some powerful facts you might not know… 🦾
Do you know how much prosthetics can cost?
How much extra energy amputees use just to move through daily life?
Or that people born with limb difference can reorganise their brain in incredible ways?
Watch to find out more!
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This video is brought to you from the Limb Loss and Limb Difference Alliance
It is a collaboration between organisations including @reachcharityuk , @fyf_charity , @limbpower , @steelbonesuk , @amputationfoundationuk and @blesma .
This LLLDAM the Alliance have a coordinated a social media campaign to challenge misconceptions, share lived experiences and highlight the realities of life with limb loss and limb difference, while showcasing the strength, resilience and diversity of the community.
Please share this post to help create awareness. Together we are stronger! 🦾
#limbdifferenceawareness #limblossawareness #llldam #limblosslimbdifference
A huge thank you to all our incredible @londonmarathon participants.
We’re proud of every single one of you. Thank you for representing us so brilliantly and raising vital support!
Inspired? Sign up now for a 2027 Blesma charity London Marathon place and be part of something extraordinary.
