A Day in the Life...
peter leonard
Peter Leonard, 53, has worked for BLESMA for 23 years and is now their Transport
Supervisor. Based in Blackpool, it’s his job to drive Members to events across the country
I fell into the role almost a quarter of a century ago!
The WWI residents were such gentlemen. They were
I was a driver for National Express coaches in 1990
when a nurse at BLESMA asked me if I could cover
a shift. I enjoyed it, and 23 years later I’m still here!
a different breed of men – always smart, wearing a
collar and tie, and very well-mannered. They rubbed
off on you and it meant you always had good manners.
This job makes me happy. I enjoy every single aspect
The younger lads are so active. The Gulf War and
of it. We’re encouraged to spend time with as many
Members as we can and there are so many characters
at BLESMA. It’s been a really good experience.
Afghanistan veterans have changed what BLESMA
does, because they’re fit and don’t see amputation
as something that can stop them. Good on them!
I met my wife through BLESMA. She worked in the
Activities Week is a perk of the job. I occasionally
dining room at BLESMA Blackpool.
Her father was at the charity for 43
years as a Nursing Auxiliary, too. It
has been my whole life.
I believe very strongly in what this
charity does. It is giving something
back. We have helped guys who have
sacrificed so much in WWI, WWII
and now in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I BELIEVE VERY
STRONGLY IN
WHAT THIS
CHARITY DOES.
IT IS GIVING
SOMETHING BACK”
get to try an activity if there is a
spare place. I’ve done gliding and all
sorts. My favourite is quad-biking.
I’m never bored. We do a lot with
the widows, so it’s one extreme to
the other: one week you’re abseiling
down a rock-face, the next you
might be pushing a widow’s trolley
around Fleetwood market!
I haven’t noticed the amputations
It’s not about the bus. I’m in the
for years and years. BLESMA
Members are just people like
everyone else – you soon look beyond
anything like that and just see the
person and have normal chats.
business of caring for people. I’ve
heard every military story going,
and so many of the Members inspire
you. I get on with people, and you
need to do that in this job.
Next Issue: A Day in the Life of Andy Mudd BEM
34 www.blesma.org