A FORMER Royal Marine who lost an arm and a leg when he was blown up in Afghanistan has spoken of how he reinvented himself as an entrepreneur.

Ben McBean shared his inspiring story of courage, tenacity and love of life with those attending the first Redcar and Cleveland Business Forum.

The 26-year-old was seriously injured when an incendiary device exploded as he and fellow marines were on patrol in Afghanistan five years ago.

On Tuesday, more than 40 businessmen and women attended the inaugural Business Forum at Innovation Centre, Kirkleatham Business Park, to listen to his story.

Despite still struggling to come to terms with his injuries, he has founded a thriving property development company, which he started with the £300,000 compensation he received from the MoD.

He said: “When I got blown up I closed my eyes and thought about dying to shut out the pain, I wanted to drift off.

“But I didn’t want my family and friends to think I’d given up, so I fought back, and I’m still fighting back, to lead as normal a life as possible.

“I believe we should focus on our abilities, not disabilities, we should use the skills and talents we have and not dwell on the things we are unable to do.

“We all have challenges, we all have setbacks, it’s how we deal with those things that makes us who we are.”

The next Redcar and Cleveland Business Forum will be held on Tuesday, June 18, at 7.30am at the Innovation Centre, Kirkleatham Business Park.

Anyone interested in attending should contact the Enterprise Team on 01642-495707.