You may have seen The Guardian’s recent investigation into rainforest carbon offsets. I wanted to address the concerns you may have - particularly around how we select our projects.
The world’s forests, particularly biodiverse tropical rainforests, are vital to maintaining a healthy planet. But they're at a critical point.
It’s widely acknowledged, including by the Guardian’s environment editor, that carbon finance has a large role to play in preventing deforestation. When done properly, it provides crucial funding to high-quality forest protection projects, which have a positive impact on both the environment and local communities.
The investigation underscores the importance of ensuring that carbon offsetting projects are genuinely impactful. At Ecologi, our internal climate experts assess over 200 projects each month, before choosing to fund a carefully selected handful. We select our projects according to our climate impact regionalisation strategy, which directs funding towards places with the greatest potential impact, and prioritises areas at greater risk of degradation. And to ensure that the methodologies used are the most up-to-date, we only buy recently issued carbon credits (issued within the last 5 years).
In addition to our in-house due diligence, we work closely with organisations like Sylvera, the leading carbon intelligence platform. Sylvera independently verifies each of the reduced deforestation projects Ecologi supports, taking all of the factors outlined in the Guardian investigation into account, as well as other important co-benefits indicators, like the inclusion of Indigenous and local communities. The nature-based projects Ecologi supports are amongst the most highly rated by Sylvera. Here’s their take on the Guardian investigation.
Carbon finance has a key role to play in the protection of forests from deforestation, as well as providing critical funding to other vital climate solutions. The Guardian article highlights some of the known challenges of certain projects, which are being rectified. What’s most important right now is for the industry to keep evidencing impact as best as it can, and hold specific projects to account that fall below the required standard. This will be a big focus in 2023 - just last week a leading governance body announced it will label high-quality projects.
There are so many impactful projects out there and it’s essential that funding continues to flow into them.
You can view this statement on our website here.
Thank you, as ever, for your continued support.
Elliot
Ecologi CEO & Co-founder
Last October, with the help of Ascot Brewing Company, 11 Members were given the chance to carry out many people’s dream: design and brew their own beer.
Ascot Brewing Company have been producing beer in Camberley, Surrey for more than a decade and have recently moved to a new, state-of-the-art premises with the help of crowdfunding support. The multi award-winning brand has even installed an elevated tap room on a mezzanine overlooking the working brewery so guests can see all the action unfold whilst sampling the outfit’s unique beers. For two days last October, all this was at the Members’ disposal.
“Meeting a Blesma Member and hearing his story made me want to go the extra mile for Blesma,” says Chris Davies, who has the fantastic title of Chief Value Creation Officer and Chief Tasting Officer at the brewery.
“I was introduced to the charity by a mutual friend who was planning a wheelchair rugby world record event in aid of Blesma. I was intrigued by what they were trying to achieve, so we put some Blesma collection boxes on our bars and raised funds for the charity at a number of beer festivals."
“Post lockdown, Chris Knight [Blesma’s Corporate and Regional Fundraising Manager] paid us a visit along with a
Blesma Member. We spoke about what the Association is and does, what it stands for and what its Members are all about."
“It was eye opening to find out about their experiences. Getting involved with Blesma gave us a greater understanding of the lives of people who defend our country and live with a disability. They deserve not only our recognition but also our support.”
It was this meeting that laid the foundations for the two-day event at the brewery during which Members could get
to grips with what it takes to be a master brewer. First they were given an insight into the brewing process, which covered everything from the raw ingredients to the equipment. Then they sat down to build a brand and a back story, design some packaging and, ultimately, name their beer."
“We wanted more involvement, not just with the charity but with the membership. We believe beer is the social glue that binds communities together and this was a way we could form a stronger relationship and have a bit of fun,” says the brewery’s Chris.
“I like to use the term ‘earning the right’. Through the event, we would earn the right to work with Blesma and in return the Members would earn the right to brew the beer – by learning how we come up with the ideas, by learning the beers, and by learning the process.”
According to Blesma’s Chris Knight, this idea worked for the Association as well.
“We are always keen to explore partnerships with business and industries, especially when we can engage the Members,” he says.
“Ascot Brewing Company was a good fit: they offered lots of opportunities – from using their premises for events to engaging Members in activities. The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is also close by and military personnel often visit the brewery, so it already had a military connection.”
Upon arrival, the Members met Head Brewer John Willatts and other key personnel behind the award-winning beers.
But rather than just listening to talks about the brewing process, the group’s senses were put to the test as they were introduced to the different ingredients – barley, yeast, water and hops – that go into making beer.
As they were given a tour of the brewery’s fermentation vessels, vats and kegs, John invited the Members to get hands on.
“It was great to get up close and personal, seeing just how much manual effort goes into the brewing process – I didn’t realise how involved we would be,” said Royal Air Force veteran Mark Sidwells, who lost both his legs in 2015.
“Beer and service personnel go well together, so this kind of activity suits us. It’s the social element related to beer – it brings people together in a relaxed way rather than being on a conference call.”
After getting an idea of how beer is produced, the group moved on to the all-important tasting session to formulate
a recipe for their own brew. That required Members to sample a variety of beers from Ascot Brewing Company and their new innovative craft beer brand, Disruption IS Brewing, to rank their favourite flavours.
“It’s a really sophisticated process,” says Mark. “I was fascinated by the ingredients that are used and how different brewing times produce different strengths. We saw how we could take some of the elements or recipes to produce a beer that is stronger, weaker, maybe more like Guinness or with more fruity flavours. We wanted something that appealed to everybody, so we met in the middle with a bitter.”
Day two saw the Members get creative with their marketing skills as they took part in a session to come up with their beer’s back story as well as designing a label. The group learned more about the different elements of production and what factors aspects like alcohol content play in customers’ purchase decisions. Then it was time to discuss pack size, debate can versus bottle, design the packaging and come up with a name.
This is where former Royal Engineer Commando Dan Newbold, who lost his right eye after a road traffic accident in
1982, was able to put years of business experience into action.
“I’m not really a drinker, but I am really interested in the business aspect of the activity,” says Dan. “I own waste recycling companies and employ a lot of people. With my experience of business, marketing, people, and hospitality I thought I could give my views."
“I understand what people want and how they buy. People buy with their eyes, and they eat with their eyes. That’s why names are important. It had to be quirky – something people would remember. For example, I think people like strange names for craft beers because they make people laugh."
“Ascot Brewing Company knows what type of advertising works, and advertising is everything. You can make the best beer in the world but if the label looks dreadful then people aren’t going to buy it because
they think it’s going to taste dreadful. It was clear they are very good at what they do.”
With an approach that represented The Apprentice, the boardroom battle of creation through salesmanship, strategy
and feedback commenced.
“The group erupted into some healthy debates,” says Blesma’s Chris.
“But the camaraderie was clear to see. Everyone had their opinions about what tasted better, and what might work best for the name, but they all pulled together as one team."
“They really fed into the whole process and were always asking questions, wanting to know the differences between certain brews, for example. It was nice to see the Members working alongside and engaging with the Ascot Brewing team, too.”
Drawing on the Members’ connections, the beer focused on a very prominent theme.
“We centred our beer on Blesma as that was what brought us together,” explains Mark.
“That’s how we came up with the name Life and Limb. We suggested lots of names involving the word ‘legless’ or to do with the theme of an explosion, as we wanted something the public would recognise and find a bit quirky. But when we looked at the Blesma logo and talked about the Association a bit more we reflected on the fact that it also
cares for Widows. We wondered if we would be projecting the right message. Amputation or loss of use of a limb also impacts on the lives of Widows and family members, so that is why we settled on the name.”
Blesma is currently working with Ascot Brewing Company to see if the Blesma beer Life and Limb can be brought to life
]]>Paul Fullick is the latest driver to sign for Team BRIT, which aims to be the first all-disabled team to race in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Paul was injured nine months ago in a road traffic accident which led to the amputation of his right leg below the knee.
When doctors gave Paul the devastating news that he wouldn’t ride his beloved motorbike again, Paul vowed not to let his lifechanging injury stop his passion for motorsport.
“I was lying in my hospital bed sketching engineering solutions to adapt my bike when Blesma Support Officer Pat Donnachie came to
visit me,” said the 40 year old from Southampton.
“He shared with me all the different things Blesma Members were achieving post-injury and told me all about Team Brit.”
Paul contacted the racing outfit thinking they might be able to answer his engineering questions. But having completed the Taffy Dakar motorcycle race in 2018, as well as gaining several safety qualifications, and teaching track and road skills, Paul already had the perfect résumé to join Team Brit.
Now he is preparing for his first racing season in the Britcar Championships as part of Team BRIT’s rookie development programme. He will be driving the team’s BMW 118i, which is fitted with innovative hand controls.
“It feels fantastic to be part of the team. It’s brilliant to be back in a team environment where there is a job to do and there is risk and reward. Motorsport is the only thing that has come close to the military lifestyle that I miss."
“I’m back to driving a regular manual car and was back on a road bike in just one week, but racing is a different league. You need
that fine motor control, so I’ve been practising to race with my prosthetic and the hand controls."
“I’m also taking the surgeon’s advice that I need to let my leg heal first before I go flying around a track. I’m excited to see where
this season goes and am looking forward to building up to the next challenge.”
]]>
Join us for Bake for Blesma in May and help support our injured veterans!
Host your own Bake for Blesma event in May, invite your friends over for tea and cakes and fundraise for us by selling your baking creations or asking for a small fee to attend your tea and cakes afternoon.
You could put on a full afternoon tea spread for your friends and family or even organise a bake sale. Whatever you decide to do, sign up below to get your Blesma cake toppers, bunting and fundraising pack. We will also include our Members favourite recipes from around the UK!
Why Bake for Blesma?
This year, Blesma celebrates 90 years of supporting Limbless and Injured Veterans, ensuring that our injured servicemen and women are never failed, forgotten, or left to fend for themselves. We’re still there for those who lost limbs in WWII, and we’ll be helping Veterans for another 90 years to come.
What you will get when you register for a Standard Ticket
- Blesma cake toppers
- Blesma bunting
- Bake for Blesma poster
- Members recipes
-Fundraising tips and ideas
-Other Blesma goodies
Free Ticket Option
If you don't want to receive the above pack but still want to take part, we have a free ticket option, where you can download member recipes and a fundraising pack, but you won't receive the bunting or cake toppers.
Top Fundraisers
If you become one of our top fundraisers and raise over £50 we will send you one of our 90th anniversary t-shirts!
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to contact us, please email fundraising@blesma.org
Former Paratrooper Denzil was a 25-year-old Lance Corporal in an anti-tank platoon during the Falklands War. He lost his left leg at the hip and severely damaged his right leg when he was hit by a mortar round on 13 June 1982. This is his story.
Denzil grew up in Chepstow the eldest of four brothers. He joined the Army as a Junior Leader at the age of 15 and then served for 12 years with 3 Parachute Regiment. He was a 25- year-old Lance Corporal in an anti-tank platoon in the Falklands War where he lost his left leg at the hip.
At the age of 65, he is now Life Vice President and founding secretary of the South Atlantic Medal Association, a charity that campaigns for Falklands veterans and helps them and their families return to the islands on pilgrimage.
Were you always destined to be a soldier?
I was initially interested in joining the RAF, but they wanted me to stay at school so I joined the closest Army unit that would keep me near aircraft: The Parachute Regiment. My mum was horrified; none of my three brothers showed any inclination to join up.
Mum and dad worked hard all their lives and instilled that same ethic in us – that’s what made me accept the Army way. You get what you work for! I was lucky to travel to places like Sudan, Malaysia, Canada and across Europe, and I had lots of adventures.
Was the Falklands War expected?
3 Para was the spearhead battalion at the time – the Infantry regiment earmarked to go first to any flare-up around the world. I remember we were called for a briefing and thought it would be Northern Ireland or some Cold War stuff. We had no idea where the Falklands were!
In just a matter of days we were ready to get on the luxury liner SS Canberra. It was a beautiful ship, and it was a bit surreal. It had a swimming pool and bars for drinks after dinner. It didn’t feel like we were going to war!
What was the mood like on board?
There were about 1,800 troops from the Paras and the Commandos plus the Royal Navy and merchant crews. We trained and kept fit during the day, and checked and re-checked our equipment. The mood was determined yet relaxed until we got to Ascension Island where we could train on land. We were there a week or so then the Task Force sailed on and it was obvious diplomatic moves were failing.
The mood changed distinctively with the sinking of ARA General Belgrano. A lot of people thought this was all just sabre-rattling and that we’d turn back for home before even getting there. But there was no going back after that – we were fully committed.
What was the military approach when you got to the Falklands?
By then, HMS Sheffield had been lost and there was a sombre realisation that this was the real deal. The nature of war is that people die and it was what we signed up for.
On 21 May we went ashore at Port San Carlos and established positions overlooking the bay. We had a grandstand view of the Argentine Air Force playing havoc with our ships as we tried to get personnel and stores ashore. Just about every ship was attacked in that first week; it was horrendous.
What happened next?
We were about 70 miles from Stanley, with some inhospitable terrain between us and with worsening winter weather for company. It was the hardest physical challenge I’d endured in my life.
Mount Longdon, our objective, was a daunting natural fortress. The enemy was dug in well with machine guns, mortars and 106mm recoil-less anti-tank rifles. We got ready for a silent assault to take them by surprise and advanced into contact with rifle, bayonet and grenade.
I was one of the oldest at 25 – we had lads who were 17 and 18. I was a Lance Corporal so the younger ones were looking up to me. I was no less scared than they were but I had to crack on. A point in our favour was our training in the Brecon Beacons so we were used to that type of ground and conditions, and we’d been out in the open in atrocious conditions for a few weeks already
How did the battle unfold?
One of our guys stood on a mine which gave the Argentinians vital moments to get out of their sleeping bags and man their positions. Then all hell broke loose. It was dark and it was bedlam; there were explosions, flashes, screaming... You had friends going down and enemy being killed – it was a weird, frightening, out-of-this world experience.
We advanced behind B Company 3 Para, providing them with supporting fire from GPMG machine guns and Milan missiles (bunker busters) firing just 50 metres ahead. It was all very closeup stuff. In a matter of hours, we had lost 23 comrades and more than 50 had been injured, many seriously. None of us had seen anything like it, but we had to keep going as the battle rolled on for a good 12 hours from the night of 11 June into the next day.
What happened on 13 June?
Although Mount Longdon had been taken, we were being constantly shelled from Stanley as they knew exactly where we were. I was going along a sheep track when I was hit by a 120mm mortar. It took my left leg clean off and shredded my right leg. The other soldier I was with died of his wounds.
I had life-saving attention at the scene and was taken to a field hospital at Fitzroy Cove, where I suffered a heart attack because I had lost so much blood. But the surgeons saved me and transferred me to the hospital ship SS Uganda, where I stayed for four weeks before I was repatriated to the UK.
What were conditions like on SS Uganda?
I was in a morphine haze for the first part and was there with guys who had sustained some terrible injuries, but the spirit was second to none and the medical staff and crew were amazing. There was a great deal of British Forces humour and that helped many of us get through those days. Regardless of age, background or rank we just bounced off each other, and that ‘brothers-in-arms’ attitude definitely helped our recovery.
You have another very important anniversary on 11 June…
Yes, exactly one year after the Battle of Mount Longdon, I walked down the aisle of St. Mary’s Church in Chepstow using just a wooden walking cane to get married to Theresa. I was determined to celebrate something good on that day, but you never forget what happened and the friends you lost.
We have two sons; Matthew is a Royal Navy submariner and Stephen is a Royal Welsh Fusilier who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. I have a wonderful family; a brilliant wife, children and grandchildren – what more could you ask for?
What was your first contact with Blesma?
The Association was in touch almost straight away after I was injured. I spent months in the Queen Elizabeth Military Hospital in Woolwich when I came home, and I remember someone coming to see me and the other amputees there. I wasn’t mentally geared up to ask for help back then, but it was good to know Blesma was there.
It takes a while to sort out how you react to these things and everyone is different. You’ve experienced life-changing injuries that bring huge implications to your future, and it takes some time to move on. Blesma is very good at understanding that and being there when needed.
How has Blesma helped you?
Over time, the Association has helped with decorating and gardening grants which have been much appreciated, and Blesma helped with a big project to sort out my driveway which was basically a farm track that made access to my house difficult. It meant so much to get that done. But a really important hallmark of Blesma is knowing that support and camaraderie are always there. The help goes way beyond simply offering financial support.
What does Blesma contribute to the amputee and veteran community?
It is a shining example of encouraging amputees of all ages to get involved with activities, whether they are adventures or something more modest. Camaraderie and friendship are vital aspects of recovery. Blesma offers a life-long relationship. For myself and many others, it has been a lifesaver and a brilliant support.
]]>When your NINJA standing gaming desk arrives, you'll be glad to know that it’s not just the contents of the box that are designed to be kind to the planet. The box, and even the tape that seals the box, are eco-friendly too.
Our packaging is now 99.9% plastic free. And yes, that includes the tape. We’re working on the other 0.1%.
It’s not just our lovely desktops that come from FSC certified sustainable forests. All the cardboard for our boxes does too, which means the wood used to create them is constantly being replenished in an environmentally friendly way. And as it grows, it actively draws carbon out of the environment.
Add plastic to your packaging and it could be making a mess of the environment for hundreds of years to come, but when your packaging is just cardboard, it'll decompose completely within a few months.*
The more plastic in your packaging, the greater the risk that harmful toxins used in its manufacture are released into the atmosphere, however because our boxes are almost entirely free from plastic, they’re free from harmful chemicals too.
With no funny business going on in our packaging, you’ll find no issues recycling it with your other household or office cardboard. But before you throw it out, have a serious think about whether you’re able to reuse it in some way. It’s a quality box and would be a shame to let it go to waste…
“We want sustainability,” we said to our obliging packaging partners. But all the eco-friendliness in the world won’t be of much use if it doesn’t protect your standing gaming desk on its journey to you. So we’ve been working together to rigorously test every last flap and fold of our boxes to ensure that they keep your desk well protected.
Want to know more about the sustainability of our gaming desks or packaging? Give us a call.
*Source: https://ecofreek.com/biodegradable/is-cardboard-biodegradable/
]]>