An RAF veteran and mature student who has overcome homelessness and a neurodiversity diagnosis has graduated from the University of Lancashire.
Ben Constable completed a BSc (Hons) Pre-Registration Adult Nursing course and now plans to continue his studies with an MSc in Disaster Medicine in 2026. His journey from adversity to academic success has inspired him to dedicate his life to helping others.
After serving in the RAF, where he trained in Advanced First Aid and often acted as a First Responder, the 47-year-old faced significant challenges transitioning to civilian life. It led to a period of homelessness but, with support from the Royal British Legion and the RAF Benevolent Fund, he found stable housing and was able to rebuild his life.
His dream of becoming helping others began early. “I used to read Doctor’s Answers magazine with my mum,” he recalls. “She’d read it first, and then I’d have my turn. I was fascinated by the human body, even then.” That childhood fascination set the tone for a future rooted in service and care and he later spent caring for his grandparents, one of whom was a former mental health nurse.
Ben enrolled at the University in 2022, while caring for his parents through serious health issues, and was later diagnosed with High Support Autism, Dyslexia, and ADHD. Thanks to University support, these experiences strengthened his resolve to graduate and make a difference to others.
My life experiences have given me a deeper understanding of others’ challenges and a lot of empathy, and that will help me working in healthcare– New graduate Ben Constable
For the St Anne’s on Sea resident, the high point of his graduation today was his parents getting to see him don his academic cap and gown.
Reflecting on his achievement Ben said: “I’ve been fascinated by the human body since I was five years old. It might sound cliché, but I love helping people and standing up for those without a voice. My life experiences have given me a deeper understanding of others’ challenges and a lot of empathy, and that will help me working in healthcare.
“I want to thank the staff in the School of Nursing and NHS Lancashire Teaching Hospital. Their support throughout my course and placements has been fantastic. They gave me the chance to get back on my feet and helped me succeed, and now I can give that support back to others.”
Looking ahead, he is focusing on mental health and fitness, crediting running as a key tool for managing stress and maintaining balance. Earlier this year Ben gained a Guinness World Record by completing the London Marathon, raising funds for causes close to his heart that have supported him - including veteran support and autism awareness, and is in training for three further European marathons.
His ambitions don’t stop there, the official ambassador for the Royal British Legion aims to take on the ultimate endurance challenge, Race the World in 2027, running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days, including Antarctica.