Ben was one of four Paralympians living with spinal cord injury who joined the charity to mark their 50th anniversary at their head office. As the charity’s royal patron since 1984, The Princess Royal attended the celebrations alongside SIA members, supporters, Paralympians, and ambassadors including Jonathan Goodwin and Amanda Abbington.
Ben, who grew up in Swansea, sustained a spinal cord injury after a cycling crash in 2016. He began his rowing career in 2017 when British Rowing staff spotted him at the National Spinal Injuries Centre during his recovery at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Ben made his Great British Rowing Team International debut in the PR1 men’s single sculls at the 2019 World Championships. Since Tokyo, Ben has achieved two World Championship podiums and a gold medal at Paris 2024.
Ben brought his gold medal to the charity’s event, where the medals of Susan Cunliffe-Lister, Baroness Masham of Ilton were also on display.
“To be invited here today to celebrate the 50th year of Spinal Injuries Association is an incredible honour,” said Ben.
“As somebody with a spinal cord injury myself and having used their services in the past, it’s great to see the work they’re still doing and to have The Princess Royal here as well to celebrate.
“We saw how passionately she spoke about the work SIA have done and are continuing to do; it’s fantastic to see.
“She made a very valid point at the end that we need more work to be done and we’re still fighting for more.
“The work that SIA have managed to do in the 50 years before today shows how much we have already done and hopefully, that will continue for the next 50 years.
“So happy birthday, SIA, and thanks for inviting me along!”
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