Blesma

“I'm alive to tell my story”

Alex Swinhoe was just 19 when he lost his leg while serving in Afghanistan. During a Taliban attack, an American Apache helicopter mistakenly fired on his patrol base.

Blesma has been alongside Alex since his rehabilitation, helping him return to activities he enjoys. As his needs have changed, our support has continued.

Recently, that meant funding a downstairs wet room. An everyday change that means Alex can use his wheelchair throughout the ground floor and feel more secure about the future.

This Remembrance, Alex is sharing his story to help fellow injured veterans receive the lifelong support they need.

Russ Kirby was looking for someone to have a coffee with.

He and his wife Sarah started a veterans’ breakfast club in Barton-upon-Humber. Five years on, it had grown into a community of around 180 people.

One veteran told Russ: “Thank you for doing this. Now I feel safe.”

For absent friends.

On Sunday, Blesma Members gathered at the Cenotaph to remember friends and comrades who lost their lives in service.

At 11am today, we’ll observe the two-minute silence and think of them and the families who miss them.

#ArmisticeDay #LestWeForget

We Will Remember Them

#RemembranceSunday

©MOD Crown Copyright 2026 © Cpl Christian P Delice / © LPhot Ollie Leach © Sergeant Anil Gurung

“Chris is the first person I think of on Remembrance Day.”

Blesma Member Alex Swinhoe lost his friend Chris in Afghanistan. Today, we remember all those who lost their lives in service.

Remember the fallen. Care for the living.

#RemembranceSunday