About Legless & Blind
Their stories are only the start...
Mike Rolls and Ben Pettingill understand first hand that life doesn’t always go according to plan. They both embody an attitude and belief that even the greatest challenges can be tamed with the right mindset, strategies and support.
Mike and Ben have combined their own powerful experiences, and the lessons learned through them, to create Real Life Resilience. Sharing one very powerful purpose, Real Life Resilience aims to equip people and organisations with the confidence and skill needed to overcome challenge and change.
With over 16 years combined experience in the speaking game, these fellas have been around the block when it comes to sharing stories and building resilience! They believe that now more than ever there is a critical need to help people learn practical tools and strategies to navigate challenge and overcome adversity to build positive mental health and wellbeing foundations. This belief underpins who they are, forms their core values, and is reflected within all the projects and programs they deliver.
About Mike Rolls
In September 2001, at the age of 18, Mike’s life changed forever. Whilst on a footy trip to Tasmania, he contracted one of the deadliest diseases on the planet, Meningococcal Septicemia.
A lethal, fast acting and brutal infection left him with horrific internal and external injuries, including multiple amputations. Mike’s faced an incredibly long journey back to health that was aided by a positive outlook, an adaptive mindset and a conscious decision to embrace uncertainty.
Mike has a background in the health industry. He is a qualified Counsellor, a highly skilled communicator and a passionate supporter of amputee charity, Limbs 4 Life. He is an official ambassador of Interplast Australia and New Zealand, Ossur, and currently represents Australia in All Abilities Golf.
About Ben Pettingill
Losing 98% of your eyesight overnight is something that is simply unimaginable for most people, however this was the reality for Ben Pettingill at age 16.
Out of nowhere Ben found himself faced with extreme adversity thanks to a rare genetic syndrome that no one knew was coming. The sudden change was massive and the challenges came thick and fast in all different shapes and sizes. Building resilience, discovering a new perspective and learning the importance of a strong support network were all vital parts of Ben navigating from complete denial about what had happened, to embracing and taking ownership of his new situation.
Ben has spent the last 7 years working with, and helping organisations around the country build resilience.
He could also be described as an adrenalin junkie, competing in water ski racing, obstacle course races and riding motorbikes and crossing the Kokoda track twice. You may have seen him featured on Channel 9’s This Time Next Year.
Ben also supports causes closest to his heart as the Ambassador of Vision Australia and Ski for Life.
“The storytelling skills of Mike and Ben were amazing and our team was engaged right from the beginning. Hearing both of Mike and Bens stories was really interesting and the importance of resilience is key in life today. I would highly recommended Mike and Ben for a keynote presentation.”