Xmas Parcels Appeal 2008 commences September 2008

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SOS Get Well Appeal

We're in very close touch with the Medical Centre in Afghanistan who have requested Get Well cards for the injured and sick there.  If you'd like to write a get well card or message for one of our brave boys and girls we'd be pleased to pass it on for you.  Feel free to include your name and address if you wish to do so. Cards and letters should be left unsealed and should be sent to:

SOS Get Well Appeal

PO Box 70

Shipley

West Yorkshire

BD18 1BP

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SOS BLESMA Appeal

The 1st June 2008 saw the launch of our BLESMA Appeal.  It was decided at the beginning of the year we'd like to do something which would help on a more permanent basis, and having met with the dedicated team at BLESMA decided that theirs was a very worthy cause.  BLESMA (The British Limbless Ex-Servicemen's Association) provide care and support for their members for life.  Although many of these are veterans of WWII and conflicts since, they also include those injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.

BLESMA have two homes, one in Blackpool and one in Crieff.  These homes provide not only end of life care but also rest and respite breaks. In addition the welfare teams provide support and encouragement.  Many of the members have taken part in the various challenges organised each year which include the Atlantic challenge, Ski Spectacular and Snowbobbing.

More information about BLESMA can be found below and by checking out their website www.blesma.org

If you would like to make a donation this can be done so via the link on our donations page.

As always, thank you for your support, your contribution really will make a difference to the life of one or more of our brave men and women.

"BLESMA is a National Charity, Registered Charity Number 1084189 for Limbless and Ex-Service Men and Women, their dependants and Widows. The objectives of the Association are to promote the welfare of all those of either sex who have lost a limb or limbs, or one or both eyes, or the use of limbs as a result of service in any branch of Her Majesty's Forces or Auxiliary Forces and to assist needy dependants of such service limbless. We will also help those who lose a limb after service.

Today, BLESMA are aiding thousands of amputees of all ages. From those who served during WWII, to recent conflicts and peace keeping missions.

The Association needs to raise a minimum of 1 million pounds each year within the parameters of the objects of the Association. Included amongst these are the following

a. Provide permanent residential and convalescent holiday accommodation through its two nursing and residential Homes at Blackpool and Crieff in Perthshire.

b. Provide a counselling service to individuals pre and post amputations.

c. Furnish advice on Pensions, Allowances, make representation to Government Departments on individual entitlements and, where necessary, represent Members and their dependants at Pensions Appeal Tribunals.

d. Provide financial assistance to Members and Widows in the form of Grants

e. Plan and organise rehabilitation programmes for the Amputee.

f. Assist in finding suitable employment for Amputees.

g. Provide limited funding for research and development into artificial limbs and in the training of prosthetists and orthotists.

h. Act as a Consumer Watchdog in respect of the provision of artificial limbs, wheelchairs and appliances.

The invaluable support of many, enables BLESMA to continue its work and maintain a high level of care for those who wish to lead a normal life."