Inspirational boy brings 'Dunkirk spirit to life'

12 hours ago

Alex PopeBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire

News image — Ben has met many "inspiring, interesting and wonderful people" from all over the UK

Family handout Ben, standing next to a Royal British Legion man, who is wearing a jacket and red beret. Ben has on glasses and an orange cap and is holding a sign. They are in a field, with grass all around them. — Ben has met many "inspiring, interesting and wonderful people" from all over the UK

A blind schoolboy has been praised in the House of Commons for creating a multi-sensory World War Two exhibition to honour the spirit of Dunkirk.

Ben from Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, put a display together as part of a school research project, visiting 25 museums, harbours and memorials across the country, covering 1,360 miles (2,189km) in a year with his family.

Josh Dean, the Labour MP for Hertford and Stortford, asked the House to join in congratulating the 11-year-old and thanking him for his "outstanding contribution".

Ben said he learnt so much on "how to keep that spirit alive".

Family handout Ben, wearing a T-Shirt and glasses, standing next to Josh Dean, in a field, they are both smiling. — MP Josh Dean visited Ben while he held his exhibition

He held an exhibition, in conjunction with the Royal British Legion, to mark Armed Forces Day on 27 June.

It raised funds for the Moorfields Eye Charity and the Royal British Legion.

Family handout Ben, standing by an aeroplane, with his thumb up. He is wearing blue jeans, a red and black checked top. The plane is inside a building. — Ben said he loves history and learning

Dean said: "Ben is 11 years old, he's had 10 operations on his eyes and is severely visually impaired but that didn't stop him from putting on an outstanding sensory exhibition bringing Dunkirk spirit to life for local people through sight, sound, smell and taste."

Sir Alan Campbell, leader of the House of Commons, congratulated the youngster for his " hard work and for raising awareness for the British Legion and Moorfields Eye Hospital".

"Events like this demonstrate the importance of communities coming together to highlight and celebrate the work of our armed forces and that depends upon remarkable individuals like Ben."

Family handout Ben, standing by a wooden boat, in a museum, wearing a blue jacket and red bag, on his back. Other people are in the room looking at displays. — Over a year Ben visited the Churchill War Rooms and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution

Ben said: "I could not have done this without the many inspiring, interesting and wonderful people I met all over the UK, including authors, historians, veterans, family, friends and neighbours.

"I really learnt so much about the spirit of Dunkirk and how to keep that spirit alive."

The history lover was born with an extremely rare genetic condition called Nance-Horan syndrome, which means he is legally categorised as blind.

He has had 10 eye operations, including several at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.

Ben said the hospital "really go above and beyond and have that Dunkirk spirit".

"I am so grateful. I am living my best life thanks to them and want to give something back," he added.

Family handout Ben, wearing a World War Two soldier's uniform, holding a gun. He is in a room with books on shelves. He has on glasses. — To capture the smell, Ben found four essential war-based oils at Eden Camp that capture life living in cramped tunnels, with no toilets or showers

His mother, Elizabeth, said: "I am so proud of Ben.

"Creating something that will increase understanding of war to more people, young and old, is so important."

Robert Dufton, Moorfields Eye Charity chief executive, said: "Everyone at the charity is in awe of Ben's determination and mission to bring people together.

"He's truly inspirational."

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