Whilst many were enjoying a relaxing Bank Holiday Monday, a team of dedicated fundraisers including two from NRS Healthcare were putting their strength to the test at Bournemouth International Airport.
Alex Ingleson and Chloe Ward joined 17 others to take part in the 14th annual Dorset Plane Pull.
This was the first time that Blesma has entered a team into the event and their challenge – to pull a Boeing 757, weighing in at 35,000kg, 50 metres in the fastest possible time.
Gordon Clark, Outreach Officer for Blesma, said:
“Our time of 41.08 seconds was the fourth fastest, and this included myself and 2 others who are all amputees; one of whom is also a triple amputee. This year was our first attempt and I believe we are the first team to have three amputees in the starting lineup. One of our members said how humbled he felt Chloe, Alex and Eva were doing this for us and it gave him inspiration to try and do more. I would also like to say thank you personally and convey just how amazing they were.”
As a former Royal Marines Commando, Alex, a Driver Technician from our Tottenham Community Service Centre, said he was delighted to have been involved in an event raising money for NRS Healthcare’s partner charity Blesma.
The charity, which was founded in the aftermath of World War 1, is dedicated to assisting serving and ex-service men and woman who have suffered life-changing limb loss, the use of a limb, an eye or loss of sight.
Alex said:
“Spending time with Blesma members was a good reminder of why it’s so important to raise money and awareness for this charity. These guys are incredible and I feel very lucky to have worked alongside them for this fantastic event.”
Chloe Ward, Community Engagement Lead in Kent, said:
“I attended a Blesma event a few months ago and some of the veterans I spoke to were so inspiring I decided that if anything came up, I would like to be a part of it. It was a fantastic event, incredibly well organised with lots to do, ahead of the actual pull time. I definitely felt the burn after and have to say it was probably the longest 40 seconds of my life! A few Blesma members also took part and they were incredibly grateful that we were there to raise money for the charity.”
There is still time to make a donation.
Alex’s fundraising page – https://bit.ly/47yARDs
Chloe’s fundraising page – https://bit.ly/3QWWrvG