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My name is Martin Kettrick and I am a 57 year old Paraplegic paralysed from the chest down and confined to a wheelchair as a result of a tragic abseiling accident I had over 30 years ago whilst serving in the Royal Marines. 

Since leaving the Marines in 1982 I have always tried to remain positive, even through some extremely difficult and challenging times. I had to give up work over 3 years ago, in part, due to the effects of over 30 years in a wheelchair but during this time I have been lucky enough to discover BLESMA (Limbless Veterans), an organization that has given me a great deal of support to take on new activities and challenges with other ex-servicemen and women, who have also experienced life changing injuries.

BLESMA is a fantastic organization that helps seriously injured servicemen and women throughout their life when they need it most. They offer a wide range of support including counselling, general advice, grants, employment support and activities to help rebuild confidence and highlight the things you can do rather than the things you can’t. This lifelong holistic approach is probably unique amongst service charities and it really makes you feel that you are not forgotten and always amongst friends willing to help and encourage, give you a leg up, if you’ll pardon the pun.

However life is not just about taking and we want to try and give something back to BLESMA for the support and commitment they’ve given us, so myself and a group of other disabled veterans and friends, including my friends WO2 Merv Sheppard RM and wife Maria (Ex-RN), will be attempting to complete a Coast 2 Coast Cycle Challenge. Myself and another member of the team will be completing the challenge in our specially adapted handcycles along with some amputees, who never cease to amaze me with their ingenuity and never say die attitude. This is going to be a massive challenge to us all but one we will complete with team work and a desire to succeed. Please support us in helping BLESMA to carry on doing tremendous work for our veterans and their families.