Disabled man told he 'wouldn't amount to much' opens own business after friend's tragic death

A disabled man told he 'wouldn't amount to much' has defied the odds to open his own business after being spurred on by the tragic death of his best friend.

Nick Smith was left with brain damage at birth after a traumatic labour that nearly killed both him and his mum Rachel.

Growing up with learning difficulties, Aspergers and ADHD, Nick faced a daily struggle throughout his school life.

"He was told he wouldn't amount to much because he's got these problems," said Rachel.

But from a young age, Nick talked to his best friend Andrew about wanting to open his own gaming cafe someday.

And now the 26-year-old's dream has become a reality with the opening of Nerdvarna in Newcastle city centre .

Sadly, Andrew is not around to see his friend's success after his sudden death three years ago at the age of just 19.

"It was sudden arrhythmic death syndrome," said Rachel.

"He went to bed at university one night and never woke up.

"That pushed Nick into giving this more thought, because Andrew always used to come to our house with his girlfriend and they used to play Dungeons and Dragons.

"Nick would say 'one day I want a shop where we can do this'.

"So after Andrew died I said 'come on, let's sit down and do a business plan'."

At the time Nick, from West Road, Newcastle , was unemployed and struggling to find work, as well as facing a battle with the Department of Work and Pensions who cut his benefits.

Rachel said: "He had a big struggle to get finding, but eventually he did."

Nick picked up the keys to his new premises in Arch 21 at Forth Banks three weeks ago, and Nerdvana opened on Saturday, May 4.

Gamers pay a £3 entrance fee - and every day of the week has a different event.

Rachel said: "There's a cafe with everything from sandwiches and wraps to milkshakes.

"At the moment there's just a couple friends volunteering but ultimately we think there'll be two to three part time staff."

The proud mum added: "He's just totally different, he's interacting with the community, it's pulled him out if his shell. He's got a future now."

Nick said: "It has changed my life. I'm surrounded by good friends, I've got something to look forward to.

"It's given me a purpose in life after losing my friend."