YOUR AVERAGE GUY WITH A NOT SO AVERAGE STORY.
IMAGINE LOSING 98% OF YOUR EYESIGHT, OVERNIGHT. YOU CAN’T, CAN YOU?
For Ben Pettingill, this was his reality at just 16 years old. Unexpectedly, Ben found himself faced with this extreme adversity thanks to a rare genetic syndrome, Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, that had been laying unknowingly dormant in his family for generations. The sudden change was massive and the challenges came thick and fast, presenting themselves in all areas of Ben’s life, big and small. Building resilience, managing mental health and learning the importance of a strong support network were all vital parts of Ben navigating from complete denial about what had happened to embracing and taking ownership of his new situation.
Ben Pettingill has been speaking right around the country for the past 10 years and is committed to walking his talk! Everyday he is driven by his want to simply, ‘Make The Most’.
This mindset has seen Ben become the first legally blind person in the world to compete in Spartan Obstacle Course Races, compete in the Southern 80 water skiing race against able bodied competitors and trek the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, not once, but twice.
Ben lives in Melbourne with his wife Amy and two daughters, Evie and Layla. As a family they too live to ‘Make The Most’ and you can often find them heading bush for a weekend camping, waterskiing on the river, exploring somewhere new or taking on a new challenge.
Ben is a strong mental health advocate and is passionate about raising awareness around mental health, smashing the stigma that still exists and help people get comfortable talking about the tough stuff in life. This shows in his role as ambassador of Ski For Life, an Australian charity dedicated to promoting mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention in rural and regional areas across the country.
Ben also keeps mental health front of mind through his podcast, Talkin Tough, where episodes are down to earth conversations with everyday people about all aspects of life including what it really means to be tough.
FUELED BY ON TRACK MEALS
Not being able to see hasn’t stopped Ben’s love for adventure and the outdoors. Combine this with his rural and regional community tours, staying fueled to get the job done is vital.
On Track Meals have been a long time supporter of keeping Ben fed and hydrated. Whether it is on a 4x4 trip with the family, trekking the Kokoda track or on a 10 day speaking tour through outback Australia, they have him covered.
Check out the great range of meals, snacks and packs that On Track Meals has on offer and be sure to use code BLINDBEN for 10% off at check out.
