Blesma, The Limbless Veterans, is a national charity that directly supports service men and women who have lost limbs and the use of limbs or the loss of eyesight in the honourable service of our country.
Kirk, 37 from Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, who works as a training area operative at Landmarc’s Barton Road range, was inspired when he saw other fundraisers completing the walk and wanted to give something back to Blesma in return for the valuable support they provided after a near fatal incident in Iraq in 2013.
The team’s aim was to complete the walk along the Peddars way coastal route, starting at 8am from Hunstanton Lighthouse and reaching Cromer Pier at a deadline of 8am the following day.
However, even after making a detour of nearly three miles when faced with a high tide in the first few miles of the walk, the team managed to complete the challenge in a record time of just 17 hours – seven hours ahead of schedule.
Landmarc and ESS provided food and a support vehicle and West Norfolk Council supported the team by supplying parking permits free of charge.
Kirk said: “I am a limbless veteran who has been a Member of Blesma for two years. After completing 16 years of service with the Army back in 2010 I pursued a career in the Middle East as a private security contractor. Whilst working in Iraq in 2013 my vehicle was hit by a blast whilst escorting clients to Baghdad.
“The incident resulted in serious injuries for me including loss of my left arm below the elbow and the reconstruction of my right foot.
“Since recovering from my injuries I have been welcomed in to a unique club of inspirational individuals. Blesma has provided help decorating our new home and in two years I have had the opportunity to visit Colorado twice, on winter and summer expeditions with other injured veterans.
“Being a veteran in civilian life can be a hard adaptation, and that coupled with limb loss and PTSD can leave people extremely isolated, even if they do not show it on the surface.
“Blesma has enabled me to meet fellow veterans who have developed a unique brother/sisterhood and support network. I feel privileged and honoured to be a member of this unique and precious organisation.”
To make a donation, please go to: https://www.justgiving.com/Kirk-Bowett1/
