'I turned my disability into my strength'

KING'S TRUST ENTERPRISE AWARD FOR BRANDON

- By WILLIAM TELFORD

(WILLIAM TELFORD)

A PLYMOUTH man has started a successful business after applying for a thousand jobs and being turned down each time.

Brandon Hulcoop, who is totally blind, said that sometimes it was because potential employers thought his disability meant he wouldn't be up to the task.

But he has proved them all wrong by setting up the thriving 'All Things Dotty' business, making braille books and greeting cards - and has even written his debut novel.

And it's led to him receiving a top award from King Charles III and having a special visit from a Government minister.

The 24-year-old was honoured with the NatWest/King's Trust Enterprise Award in London this summer, rubbing shoulders with celebrities such as Rylan Clark, Ferne Cotton and Ant and Dec.

And he attended a special reception at Buckingham Palace where he was personally congratulated by The King.

This week he was singled out for a visit by Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Social Security and Disability, who travelled to Plymouth to congratulate Brandon on his success and say what a great inspiration he is to other disabled people struggling to find work.

Brandon has septo-optic dysplasia which means he is registered as completely blind. He attended the specialist Royal National College for the Blind, in Hereford, where he achieved qualifications in business and computing.