One school project turned into a 2,189 kilometre mission across the UK, and it has now been praised in the House of Commons.
Ben, 11, from Bishop’s Stortford in Hertfordshire, created a multi-sensory World War Two exhibition to honour the spirit of Dunkirk.
As part of his research, he visited 25 museums, harbours and memorials across the country over a year with his family.
Josh Dean, the Labour MP for Hertford and Stortford, asked the House of Commons to join in congratulating Ben and thanking him for his “outstanding contribution”.
He 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.”
Ben held the exhibition 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.
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”.
He said: “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.”
Ben 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.
He 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.”
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.
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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