Caring for his older brother
For much of his childhood, Ben, now thirteen, felt a level of responsibility that many young people never have to think about. His brother, Charlie, has reflex epilepsy and experienced his first tonic-clonic seizure when Ben was just six years old. From that moment, Ben felt responsible for helping to keep him safe.
Their mum, Vicky, explains: “Charlie’s seizure triggers are everywhere and there’s no avoiding them, so Ben can feel quite stressed and overwhelmed by it. He constantly looks out for risks and worries about his brother.”
A chance to enjoy some mischief and magic
In 2025, Vicky learned about Over The Wall Camp. She told Ben about a place where siblings of children with health challenges could go to rediscover the mischief and magic of childhood… But Ben had never been away from home alone, didn’t know anyone attending and would be stepping into a completely unfamiliar environment. Despite his worries, he gave it some thought and became determined to go.
Ben said he felt “nervous, shy and excited” before camp. Then, when he arrived at camp in Perthshire, Scotland, he noticed that “everyone was so upbeat”.
Being away from home gave Ben something he had not experienced before: the chance to focus on himself. He became more confident and independent as he navigated camp life, met new people and took part in fun activities. Looking back, he is especially proud of simply showing up and embracing the challenge.
“I was there by myself, I was alone for the first time, and I was meeting new people,” he said. “It was a completely new environment and I smashed it.”
Memories and discoveries to take forward
When asked about his favourite memory, Ben finds it difficult to choose just one. However, the final evening stands out. “There was so much emotion in the room,” he remembered. “You could feel it.” It was a moment that reflected the friendships and connections that had formed during the week and celebrated how much everyone had grown.
By the end of camp, Ben felt transformed. He said, “Camp made me feel alive!”
A proud mum and growing independence!
The impact of that experience didn’t end when he returned home. Vicky told us “Camp has had a really positive impact on Ben’s mental health and confidence.”
“He requested his own room when he came home, having previously shared with his brother. Ben is now the only person who sleeps downstairs and no longer feels responsible for monitoring Charlie through the night.”
“He’s also started getting the bus into town for his drama classes by himself, whereas previously I had to drive him down and walk him round to class. It’s all had a hugely positive effect on Ben’s confidence and mental wellbeing.”
Although Vicky admits she felt nervous before camp, particularly as Ben’s anxiety had increased following some uncomfortable social interactions before he left, she was reassured by the support offered by staff and volunteers. Ben, meanwhile, never wavered in his determination to attend.
A message to other families
Today, both Ben and his mum describe camp as an incredible opportunity. Vicky praises the wonderful staff and volunteers who helped create such a supportive environment, while Ben encourages others not to be afraid of taking the leap.
“There’s basically nothing to be worried about,” he said. “The activities are great, the food is good, and the people are really nice.”
The confidence and independence Ben gained continue to shape his life, and the experience meant so much to him that he already hopes to return as a volunteer when he turns 18. For Ben, camp was more than just a week away from home – it was the start of realising how capable he really is.