Ben McBean

Ben McBean (born 1987) is a former Royal Marine Commando. He survived catastrophic, life-changing injuries as a result of an IED explosion during his deployment in 2008 to Afghanistan. He was hailed as the 'real hero' by Prince Harry after sharing a flight home from Afghanistan when he was immediately pulled out of the country when his presence there was leaked by the media .

Early life McBean was born in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, on 1 March 1987. McBean didn't know who his biological father was, with his father having left when he was a child. From the age of 2-years-old, McBean was raised by his stepfather. When McBean was around 10 or 11-years-old, he moved to Plymouth, Devon. This was due to McBean's uncle (his stepfather's brother and also a Royal Marine Commando), being based there.

McBean dreamt of becoming a Royal Marine since he was aged 10. At aged 12-years-old, McBean was inspired by seeing his uncle and colleagues at his uncle's wedding, wearing military dress and wanted to be 'one of them'. McBean was also inspired to become a Royal Marine by a book he read about the Special Boat Service (SBS).

They were tasked with protecting the Kajaki Dam and the surrounding area. McBean described how there 'wasn't really anything going on', with him and colleagues patrolling and 'waiting to get into a fight' and every so often 'getting into a contact' with the enemy. A year later, McBean ran the 2010 edition of the marathon, completing it 4 minutes faster.

Motivational speaking McBean notes that whilst his story 'sounds bad' because he 'got blown up and almost died', there are a lot of positives. He notes that whilst his injury lasted 'one second', it is his mentality that he talks about and how although things in life can get tough, it's how a person reacts to something that matters.

Media In 2012, McBean featured on series 18, episode 4 of BBC motoring show Top Gear, where he and other soldiers in standard mobility scooters raced Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May in their own-made mobility scooters. The team of soldiers won.

In 2023, McBean presented an episode entitled 'For Crown and Country' for ITV's documentary series 'Fresh Cuts'. In the episode, McBean highlighted and uncovered the contribution made by black British Armed Forces servicemen and women across history, as well as his own military experience.

Personal life McBean has been married twice and has two children.

On 17 May 2023, whilst out shopping in Plymouth, McBean was fined by a parking warden, after they tapped on his window, insisting his badge was 'fake'. This was after a woman in a coffee shop overlooking the car park shook her head and followed McBean outside saying 'excuse me'.

However, in 2024, when McBean submitted a renewal application, Plymouth City Council officials said he didn't meet the requirements, with McBean telling The Sun newspaper: 'I don't understand how much more disabled I need to be'. Plymouth City Council published a response stating that McBean had been refused as he had submitted the application under a different name, meaning his details were not recognised.

Honours and awards

Honours

Awards On 18 May 2008, McBean received the 'Outstanding Global Achievement' award at the Britain's Best Award, held at London Television Studio. He received the award from then Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.

On 15 December 2009, McBean received the 'Overcoming Adversity' award at The Sun Military Awards, held at Imperial War Museum London. The award was in recognition of being the first double amputee to finish the London Marathon.

In 2012, McBean was awarded the Rotary Young Citizen award by the Rotary Club.