A group of wounded veterans are taking on the menacing Nuclear Races in May and they’re not letting their injuries stop them.
Blesma are partnering with Nuclear Races in Brentwood for their award winning fun, tough and gritty obstacle race on 13 May. With a Blesma dedicated wave at 12:40 and 500 places to fill, wounded Veterans are asking you to take part alongside them to complete this gruelling 7k race.
Paraplegic Andy Bracey will be joined by amputees Rob Copsey, Hannah Campbell, Colin Branch, Andrew Stockton and Matty Woollard in their bid to raise funds and awareness for Military Charity Blesma, the Limbless Veterans.
Andy Bracey took part in a Nuclear Races taster day back in October as part of his own mission to show how much is achievable for those in wheelchairs.
“I want loads of people to see what I’m doing and see that people in wheelchairs can do these challenges too!” said Andy, from Southend. Andy served in the Royal Artillery for 17 years, touring in Northern Ireland in 1991 and Iraq in 2001 – 2002. Andy was confined to a wheelchair after a Motorcycle accident in 2005. In order to take part, Andy requires a team of 15-20 people to support him and is still looking for volunteers.
Last October Andy was joined by amputees Matty and Rob who are now both gearing up for the big day in May. Matty was injured in Afghanistan after stepping on an IED, and Rob, who was injured after stepping on an anti-personnel mine in Rwanda.
Unlike Andy, Colin and Matty, the Blesma Wave in May will be Colin’s, Andrew’s and Hannah’s first try of the 7k and 90 obstacle race.
For Colin, this will also be his first challenge since he had his leg amputated.
“I was discharged from the military over a decade ago now and this will be my first time doing something like this. It was my wife’s idea and we’re bringing more of our family and friends along. At the minute I’m having some trouble with my leg but I’ll do as much as I can, even in a wheelchair and crutches.”
Now it’s your chance to help! Blesma want you to take part alongside our wounded veterans!
Join the Blesma Wave on 13 May at 12:40 to get involved visit: https://blesma.org/support-us/find-an-event/extreme-events/nuclear-rush/
Or contact the Blesma Fundraising team on: 0208 548 7089 or fundraising@blesma.org
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless service men and women, their widows and dependants. It was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932.
Matty and Rob ending the race
-ENDS-
Hi-res images can be downloaded from the links below:
- Rob taking on the tightrope – http://blesma.org/media/439248/jog_6610.jpg
- Matty and Rob prep – http://blesma.org/media/439211/jog_6501.jpg
- Andy taking on the tightrope – http://blesma.org/media/439260/jog_6635.jpg
- Matty taking on the tightrope – http://blesma.org/media/439264/jog_6645.jpg
- Rob – http://blesma.org/media/439234/jog_6575.jpg
- Matty and Rob ending the race – http://blesma.org/media/439330/jog_6875.jpg
About Blesma, The Limbless Veterans
Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless serving and ex-service men and women, their widows and dependants. It is a membership organisation which helps wounded service men and women rebuild their lives by providing rehabilitation activities and welfare support. Their membership includes those who have lost the use of a limb, an eye or the sight of an eye.
Blesma was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932. Blesma today has around 3,500 Members and widows. The membership consists of men and women who have served during the Second World War and the many subsequent conflicts and peacekeeping operations since, including the Falklands, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.
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