Stammer won't stop me dreaming of a radio career - boy, 15

For years, Ben struggled with a stammer, particularly during primary school, where he said he was "really struggling to get any words out".

But nearly a year after finding the courage to take part in a football phone-in on the radio, the 15-year-old pupil is now speaking more fluently and dreaming of a future career in broadcasting and media.

"Four or five years ago, that would have been unheard of," the Shrewsbury Town fan said.

"Someone that couldn't speak properly to go in on radio stations like this and do media stuff. It's really cool. I'm proud of myself."

The teenager, who has worked with speech therapists over the years, is a season ticket holder at Croud Meadow stadium. In December, after the club's defeat to Chesterfield, he called BBC Radio Shropshire's post-match phone-in, The Verdict.

He said taking part in the programme had given him the confidence to speak more fluently.

"It's always been something that I've been passionate about speaking about, so you know, when the opportunity came to speak on the radio, it's one I wanted to take," he said.

Ben's dad, Martin, who called the station afterwards to explain just how the phone-in had helped his son, added that he was really proud of his progress.

"I was in the in the background. He always goes upstairs; he doesn't want me poking in too much," he said.

"It's been some difficult times when it when it first happened with him. As the years have gone on - touch wood - he seems to have got better."

Speaking on International Stammering Awareness Day, Ben said he could not remember when his stammer had first started but recalled it being "particularly bad" when he was about age 10 or 11.

Speech therapy had helped him learn techniques to manage it, and over time his speech had gradually improved, he explained.

"Having spoken to more people at my therapy that I used to go to, a lot of people have it a bit worse than me, but I listened to all the therapists," he explained.

"Gradually over time after using all the techniques that they taught me, it kind of just started to fade out."

After the experience of speaking on the radio, the football fan said he would now be willing to stand up and speak in front of his school.

"I like to think of myself as quite a vocal person, even when I was going through the hard times. I've always had a lot to say about myself," he said.

"I think there are not many situations where I wouldn't feel comfortable speaking in front of people."

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