PRIDE of Swindon nominee Ben Fox is not your average Swindon teenager.

The 13-year-old from Benwell Close in Westlea has faced challenges all his life but has never let it get him down.

Now the Commonweal School pupil, who suffers from Vater Syndrome, will go skiing in America for the first time next week.

His condition, which affects one in 30,000, is so rare that most doctors have never heard of it.

When Ben was born he had a blocked oesophagus, two extra vertebrae, no right leg, a third of his muscle and bone missing from his hip and a hole in his heart and lungs.

But amazingly after 31 operations in his short life he will take to the icy slopes with 10 other disabled youngsters from across the country and visit the National Sports Centre for the Disabled in Winter Park in Colorado.

The trip spread over seven days has been organised by the Salveson Ski Group – a UK-based charity which aims to give young people with disabilities the opportunity to learn a new skill, while developing their character and individuality.

“It should be a lot of fun to learn how to ski,” said Ben. “I have never even been on a plane before so that should be quite exciting.

“The closest I’ve come to heavy snow before has been over the last week in Swindon so that’ll be interesting as well.

“I think skiing is going to be like sledging on a hill. I have good balance so I would like to try using one ski.”

Ben is very active, despite having a prosthetic right leg. He plays football with crutches, swims and rides his bike on a regular basis.

The big Arsenal fan is also a keen wheelchair basketball player, who is part of the Wolverhampton Rhinos team – which play in the national junior league.

Mum-of-three Carol Hearne, said: “Ben is going to have such a great time. He’s so lucky. I hope he makes the most of it.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for him. The people who have organised the trip are brilliant.”

Ben got the chance to ski after staff at Oxford’s Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, where Ben gets his prosthetic leg from, put his name forward.

Each teenager has a designated assistant. Ben will be looked after by John Cooke throughout the week.

He will first learn to ski using a sit ski to see how he gets on.

The trip is funded entirely by friends, families, volunteers at the charity and companies who work tirelessly to raise funds to keep the charity going.

Ben’s ski team nurse Mandy Cox nominated him for a Pride of Swindon Award believing he is full of courage for attempting the sport for the first time.

You can keep up to date with Ben’s progress by visiting www.salvesonski group.org.

Let us know who’s an unsung hero

THE Pride Of Swindon is the Adver’s attempt to recognise all the unsung heroes of this town.

Ben has been nominated for an award – but we need more nominations.

Do you know of a child or adult who has displayed remarkable courage, or a gutsy community champion who has improved your area?

We want your nominations for an awards ceremony in May celebrating the best of Swindon.

Write no more than 250 words about the person you wish to nominate and why they should be considered for the award.

Include their name, address and contact details and yours.

Nominees must live or work within the borough of Swindon at the time of nomination.

Contact Ben Perrin on 501798 or email him at bperrin@newswilts.co.uk.