LIMBLESS
HEROES REVVED UP FOR MOTORBIKE CHALLENGE
Twelve limbless ex service men are
embarking on a four-day motorcycle challenge to rival the exploits of Ewan
McGregor and Charley Boorman. Starting at Land's End on 21 May and finishing in
John O'Groats, the event is designed to raise money for BLESMA (the British
Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association).
The team, which will travel a
total of approximately 603 miles on motorbikes includes two double amputees:
Steve Gill who lost both his legs and an eye in a bomb blast in Northern
Ireland and Mick Foulds suffered a double leg amputation 21 months ago
following an accident on the railways. The event schedule is as follows:
- Land's End, Cornwall - Thursday 21st May, depart
at 9.30am - Army School of Ammunition,
Kineton, Warwickshire (Via Wales) - Friday 22nd May - National Memorial
Arboretum, Staffordshire
- Saturday 23rd May - Catterick Garrison (via Peak District)- Saturday 23rd May
- Edinburgh Castle - Sunday 24th May
Paul Burns, 48, was injured at Warren Point in Northern
Ireland and lost his left leg with severe damage to his right leg. Paul says,
"It is a credit to the riders that they have come to terms with severe injuries
and been able to conquer and control a motor bike. Some of the team learnt to
ride after losing their limbs. The activity aims to give the guys a sense of
freedom and challenge, as they would not be able to do something like this on
their own."
To show your support for this
brave challenge, please visit www.justgiving.com/paulburns4
** ENDS **
For further information:
Please contact Lauren Edwards on 020 7993 3833 or email:
[email protected]
Biography of riders
Paul Burns: Was blown up at Warren Point in Northern Ireland in
1979 while serving 2 Para. He lost his left leg and had severe damage to his
right leg and foot. He continued to serve another 12 years in the army working
within sport parachuting and he became a member of the Red Devils. Burns is now
medically retired and is involved heavily with BLESMA. He also is a trustee of
the Gwennili Trust charity, which takes disabled people sailing. Burns had his
first big bike in 1990 and will be riding a Harley Davidson Sportster.
Rob
Copsey: From North
Petherton, was part of the Royal Engineers Regiment and was serving in Rwanda
in 1994 when he was caught in a landmine blast and lost his right leg below the
knee. Copsey will also be riding a Harley Davidson Sportster.
Steve Gill: Lost both legs and an eye in a bomb blast in 1989
while serving with the Royal Anglian Regiment in Northern Ireland. He will be
riding Pillion on another bike.
Mick Foulds: Is 57 years old and had a double below the knee
amputation. He lost his legs 21 months ago working on the railways. He has
always had a bike - ever since he was 16 years old so motorcycling means
a lot to him. Fould's will be riding a Triumph Speedmaster with a Kliktronic
gear change.
About BLESMA
BLESMA, which began as an
idea among wounded soldiers living in Glasgow in 1920 - and struggling in "the
land fit for heroes", was formed as a national charity in 1932.
Today, BLESMA aids thousands of
amputees of all ages, from those who served during WWII, to recent conflicts
and peacekeeping missions. There are currently 4,200 members.
The Association has a national
headquarters in London, two care homes in Blackpool and Crieff (Scotland) and
local branches throughout the UK and a nationwide welfare service.
The Blackpool home is located on
the southern edge of Blackpool and is only four hundred yards from the beach.
It was set up in 1948 and provides nursing and residential care for ex-service
men and women. The Home in Crieff looks south to the Orchills and was purpose
built in the mid sixties. Both Homes provide full residential and nursing
services in up to date en-suite accommodation. They are also very popular with
BLESMA Members for convalescence, respite or simply a break amongst old
friends. Both Homes have disabled adapted coaches and residents and visitors
enjoy regular excursions. They are lively places.
BLESMA has its own very effective and
focused Welfare Service. It has a number of Members still serving in HM Forces
and it counsels and helps rehabilitate all new
casualties once they return from conflict zones and its expertise and
experience is valued and appreciated by the Armed forces and MoD authorities.
Its rehabilitation work makes use of the fellowship of shared experience and is
physically demanding and challenging. BLESMA's work goes on.
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