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.
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Kesha pulls out of Roundhay Festival as all-new Pitbull line-up revealed
American pop singer Kesha has dropped out of the Pitbull-fronted Roundhay Festival line-up, with a major shake-up announced today.
The second instalment of artists for Pitbull's headline Roundhay Festival show has been announced and it's missing highly-anticipated and originally-announced artist Kesha.
Festival organisers have said that the star will no longer be able to perform due to 'unforeseen scheduling conflicts'.
The American singer's musical adventure has taken a 'Joyride' since becoming independent in September 2024 and releasing her sixth studio album "." or Period almost a year ago.
Now, Kesha's title as 'Special Guest' has now been handed over to three very impressive artists who also shared a role in soundtracking some of the 2010s biggest hits.
Kesha was originally listed as a 'Special Guest' for Pitbull's Roundhay Festival gig in Leeds this July / Credit: Brendan Walters / Press Shots
One of these new artists is Jason Derulo, who is ready to treat the crowd to his array of chart-topping melodies like: 'Whatcha Say', 'Talk Dirty to Me', 'Trumpets'.
Another act who knows a thing or two about travelling the globe like Mr. Worldwide is 'Miami 2 Ibiza' hitmaker Tinie Tempah - things are definitely about to get 'Frisky'.
The final artist joining this already impressive list of names is Lil Jon who's bringing his high energy tracks to Roundhay Park such as 'Turn Down For What', 'Shots' and 'Get Low'.
Jason Derulo is just one of the artists making up the all-new Pitbull Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Wikimedia Commons (via Supplied)
Kesha's departure from this Leeds gig comes as a complete shock as the star is still set to play a whole host of UK festival dates including a BST Hyde Park show in London on 10 July.
In a statement shared via social media, Roundhay Festival has stated the reason for this very big change to the line-up:
"Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, Kesha will no longer be joining us this July. We hope to welcome her to Roundhay Park in the future."
Although fans who have already bought tickets to the show might still be 'Praying' for Kesha's return to the Roundhay Festival bill, it's safe to say these artists are a great addition.
Pitbull is coming to Roundhay Park in Leeds on Friday 3 July 2026 and so far he's bringing along Jason Derulo, Tinie Tempah and Lil Jon with more acts to follow - Tickets HERE.
Popular Leeds boutique gym and reformer pilates studio suddenly shuts down
Daisy Jackson
One of Leeds' leading boutique gyms, and its sister reformer pilates studio, has shut down suddenly.
Both TRIB3 and PILAT3S announced their shock closure last night, as owners seek new operators to take over the spaces.
TRIB3 is known for its high intensity workouts, where members move between treadmills, assault bikes, and free weight zones.
And PILAT3S opened its doors just last year, offering a state-of-the-art reformer pilates studio.
But now both have closed with immediate effect, after several weeks of silence due to 'legal constraints and an ever-changing landscape'.
In a statement shared last night, they wrote how the studios had become 'a community', and thanked members and instructors for being part of the journey.
They signed off: "We remain incredibly grateful for the community that was built and the moments shared within these walls."
Inside TRIB3 Leeds, which has announced its shock closure
TRIB3 and PILAT3S Leeds members with any outstanding memberships or credits are encouraged to get in touch with the business.
You can read their full statement here: "Dear TRIB3 and PILAT3S family,
"Firstly we would like to apologise that it has taken a little time to get this message out. But with legal constraints and an ever-changing landscape, we are now finally able to put this message out there:
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that the TRIB3 and PILAT3S Leeds studios are closed and we are exploring opportunities with potential interested parties to take over moving forward.
"Over time, these studios became so much more than just places to train. They became a community—built on energy, connection, and a shared commitment to showing up and pushing limits together. We are incredibly proud of what was created and the people who brought it to life every single day.
"We know this news will be upsetting and unexpected for many, and we truly appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
"We want to thank every member, client, instructor, and team member who has been part of this journey. Your support, loyalty, and passion are what made these spaces so special, and it’s something that will not be forgotten.
"Should you have any queries regarding memberships, credits or any outstanding matters please contact tribeleeds@btguk.com.
"We remain incredibly grateful for the community that was built and the moments shared within these walls.
Georgina Pellant -
29th October 2021 
