Single Huddersfield super dad with six disabled children ‘blown away’ by special honour

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.