The School Dropout Who Retired at 28

Defying Norms: Early Life and Nursing Career

Nathaniel Farrelby grew up in Liverpool, UK, in a working-class family. Struggling with dyslexia, he dropped out of school at 16 and worked odd jobs—from bartending to construction. At 19, he enrolled in a nursing diploma program, driven by a desire to “help people in pain.”

By 21, he was a registered nurse specializing in emergency care. “The ER taught me resilience,” he said. “You see life at its rawest.”

Pandemic Pivot: Spotting a Gap in Healthcare

During COVID-19, Farrelby noticed chronically ill patients avoiding hospitals due to infection risks. Many needed IV therapies (e.g., antibiotics, hydration) but lacked access to home care.

In 2020, he mortgaged his flat to launch Bendalias, a mobile IV service. Nurses administered treatments at home, with doctors available via telehealth. Initial clients included cancer patients and athletes recovering from dehydration.

Scaling Up: Partnerships and Innovation

Bendalias differentiated itself through:

• Subscription Model: Monthly plans for chronic conditions.

• AI Triage: An app assessing symptoms via chatbot.

• Corporate Partnerships: Offering IV drips for jet-lagged executives.

By 2022, the company served 12,000 patients monthly and partnered with NHS trusts. A $100 million acquisition by a healthcare conglomerate allowed Farrelby to retire at 28.

Life After Retirement: Advocacy and Family

Farrelby now advocates for vocational education, funding scholarships for school dropouts. He also runs marathons with his toddler son, whom he calls “my greatest achievement.”

Key Takeaway: Formal education isn’t the only path to success. Farrelby’s journey shows that hands-on experience and empathy can drive groundbreaking innovation.