Ben Andrews shares his lifelong battle with Retinitis Pigmentosa and his mission for inclusivity
Salford: From a young age, Ben Andrews realized his life would be different from most kids. Diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa at just three, he faced a degenerative visual impairment that worsens over time.
But he was ready for it. With family members who also had the condition, he learned early on how to cope. “I struggled with colors, and that’s when it got picked up,” he shared. “For some, blindness means total darkness, but I’ll always have some vision.”
Ben grew up watching his grandad travel the world and his mum go to university. They were his role models, showing him that life goes on despite challenges. “You just have to accept it and keep moving forward,” he said, acknowledging that while he gets upset sometimes, he knows how to handle it.
Now, Ben is not just a survivor; he’s a children’s author and an advocate for inclusivity. With over 2 million people in the UK living with sight loss, he’s committed to making the world more accessible for disabled individuals.
His brother, Jake, a former boxer, was inspired to revive his career after their father, Alan, passed away. Alan had struggled after a tragic incident left him wheelchair-bound, and he was mourning the loss of their mother, Nicola, who died of cancer.
Ben’s business, Beyond Empower UK, was born from his experiences. “At 17, I noticed how inaccessible gyms were,” he explained. “Weights everywhere, and staff unsure how to help us.” He realized that having his mum in the gym changed the atmosphere, making it more welcoming.
Now, his company works with local facilities to ensure they cater to disabled individuals. “We help them understand what’s needed and create programs to support access,” he said. “It’s about making adjustments and encouraging participation.”
Ben believes that by raising awareness, they can create a demand for inclusive services. “It’s not about malice; it’s just a lack of understanding. I hope we can reach a point where everyone can access mainstream activities without needing specialized services.”
