Amputee dubbed 'hero' by Prince Harry 'not disabled enough' for blue badge
A double amputee war veteran dubbed a "real hero" by Prince Harry fears losing his blue parking badge again - for "not being disabled enough."
Former Royal Marine Commando Ben McBean, 35, was reported by a warden to a council who questioned his disabled badge's legitimacy.
The dad now fears it will be taken away for a second time - after he battled for 13 years to have it reinstated.
Writing on social media, Mr McBean said: "So! I was injured in Afghanistan. Lost two limbs. Ran the marathon a year later. Had my disabled badge revoked.
"13 years later got it back. Used it today. Someone complained and now the warden has reported me to the council for using a fake badge."
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Dad-to-two Mr McBean fears he may lose his blue parking badge again (SWNS)
The double amputee has been raising funds for charities since his military service (PHILIP COBURN/SUNDAY MIRROR)He added: "Looks like I’ll lose it. AGAIN. Absolute joke. Always me.
"I know I’m entitled but they don’t think I am. Divvys."
When Mr McBean used the badge previously, he was labelled a "drain" on government resources, a "d******d" and told he "doesn't deserve the badge" for parking in a disabled bay as there were no other spots available.
The war veteran lost an arm and a leg, and was expected to die on the flight home from the battlefield in Afghanistan. He flew home with Prince Harry, who said, at the time: "Those are the heroes. Guys who had been blown up by a mine – serving their country doing a normal patrol."
Mr McBean met footballing legend David Beckham after his service (STUART ROBINSON)But after making a remarkable recovery, his original disabled badge taken away from him when he ran the London Marathon a year later.
The father of two, who is from Plymouth, Devon, battled for 13 years to get it back and only had it reinstated after a successful campaign on his behalf by his MP Johnny Mercer, a former British Army officer.
Mr McBean, who is an motivational speaker, was praised and befriended by Prince Harry after his service.
Mr McBean had damaged nerve tissue in his arm removed, caused by bits of shrapnel from the bomb blast in Afghanistan.
The father has received huge support online in his latest dispute (Paul Slater)His latest social media post attracted huge public anger.
One said: "That’s disgusting. I’m so sorry this happened to you. Makes me so angry. I can only imagine how you must feel."
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Another added: "The warden should be saying to you ‘Thank you for your service sir. You're good to park here’. That’s what I say to you as well."
Plymouth City Council has been contacted for comment about Mr McBean's current dispute.
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