A dad from Huddersfield has been honoured for his parenting skills with a special honour that has left him 'blown away.'
37-year-old Ben Carpenter has been shortlisted for the 'Family Carer of the Year' award, having adopted six children with complex disabilities.
Mr Carpenter adopted his first child at just 21-years-old, and has since gone on to grow his family with the addition of five more children - dedicating his life to his young family.
In a tragic turn of events, he sadly lost his other 2-year-old Teddy to sepsis in 2019, sixth months after adopting him.
Teddy had suffered from Cornelia de Lange syndrome, a rare genetic condition characterised by slow growth before and after birth and moderate intellectual disability.
He is now a proud dad to Jack, 14, who has autism, Ruby, 11, who has complex needs, Lilly, 9, who is deaf, Joseph, 6, who has down's syndrome and 2-year-old Louis, who is blind and has cerebral palsy.
Due to the fact that all of his children have special needs that require special care, Ben cared for each and everyone himself during the coronavirus pandemic - making sure their education didn't falter despite the difficult circumstances.
Now, the national disability charity Sense has shortlisted the super dad for its 2021 'Family Carer of the Year' award.
Reacting to the nomination, Ben told the Examiner Live: "I am absolutely blown away and honoured to be shortlisted. My children are my absolute world and I make it my duty to offer independence and equality.
"Each one of my children is thriving. I don't like blowing my own trumpet, however, I know that with my passion and dedication I have allowed them to be who they want to be, supporting their disabilities to reach their full potential.
"When my little boy suddenly and unexpectedly passed away, it was a massive shock to us all. I now do what I can to promote sepsis awareness and the devastating impact it can have."
Richard Kramer, chief executive of Sense, said: "Ben believes that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be left out, isolated, or unable to fulfil their potential.
"The dedication he shows to his children, and support for each of their individual needs, is incredible to see. We are delighted to have Ben on our shortlist for 2021 Family Carer of the Year."
Winners of the award will be announced on 25, November 2021.
News
Popular Leeds gaming bar announces immediate shock closure after going into liquidation
Point Blank in Leeds city centre have suddenly closed after going into liquidation.
The popular gaming bar hasn't been open all that long, and was marketed as the country's first simulated shooting range bar.
Despite being a popular attraction since opening last year, the bar has closed immediately, unable to honour any future bookings.
Point Blank confirmed late this Tuesday 3 February that it had sadly entered liquidation, describing the move as “completely unforeseen and beyond our control.”
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Up until just a few days ago, the Point Blank branch in Leeds had been promoting events including happy hours, shooting experiences, and even a Superbowl event scheduled for next Sunday 8 February.
A statement on their website reads: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Point Blank Shooting has entered liquidation.
"This situation was completely unforeseen and beyond our control. Due to our Manchester landlord entering administration, our lease was lost as part of that process. This had a serious knock-on effect across the wider business, leaving us with no other option.
"After seven incredible years of trading, this is a devastating moment for everyone involved at Point Blank.
"If you currently have a booking with us, we are working closely with the relevant parties to gain clarity and provide answers. We kindly ask for your patience while this process is ongoing.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years — hopefully this is a see you later, not a goodbye."
Leeds foodies rejoice as much loved restaurant brings back their ‘legendary Pie Nights’
Clementine Hall
The Swine Bistro is bringing back one of its most-loved and hotly anticipated events; its legendary Pie Nights.
Is there anything more comforting in winter than a proper hearty pie? No, we don't think so either.
And there's no better place to go for one than the beloved Swine Bistro.
Since reopening and relocating to Otley Road, the Swine Bistro has been named amongst the Good Food Guide and SquareMeal’s Top 100 Best Local Restaurants, and it's not hard to see why.
The Swine Bistro excels in bold British flavours, slow-cooked comfort and generous, joy-filled cooking - and this is exactly what Pie Nights showcase.
Image: SuppliedImage: The Hoot Leeds
This season’s Pie Night menu includes a mix of rich, meat-led classics and inventive vegetable-led pies, all made in-house and served with the Swine Bistro’s signature warmth and homely hosting.
The pie line-up includes Beef Cheek & Ox Tail, Chicken, Leek & Tarragon, Artichoke, Ricotta, Portobello & Walnut and Fennel, Hispi Cabbage, Butter Bean & Old Winchester.
Or if you're coming as a group and you can all agree on the filling (hard, we know), there is the show-stopping Suet-Topped Venison, Red Wine & Bone Marrow Pie, which is good enough for the table of Henry VIII.
Jo Myers, cofounder of the Swine Bistro, said; “Our love of making and serving the finest pies are a huge part of our story. They’re about taking the time to cook things properly, slow braises, good pastry, big, bold flavours for people to enjoy together. It’s comfort food, Swine-style.”
Pie Nights at The Swine Bistro will run on selected dates, initially kicking off on Wednesday 11 February, with further dates to be added, and are priced from £24 per person.
To find out more and to book your table, visit their website here.
Georgina Pellant -
29th October 2021 
