A single-man has earned himself the nickname 'Super Dad' after adopting four children.
Thirty-three-year-old Ben Carpenter has adopted Jack, 10, seven-year-old Ruby, five-year-old sister Lily and Joseph, two, all of whom have a disability. He has also said he hasn't ruled out the possibility of adopting a fifth.
Ben has previously been awarded the Adopter Champion of the Year title and has been invited down to London as a VIP guest by charity First4Adoption, who he says have given him invaluable assistance over the years.
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Credit: Huddersfield Examiner
Ben, from Shepley, told the Huddersfield Examiner: "People have called me a saint and say what I do is remarkable but I just wanted to be a dad and adopting is my way of becoming a dad."
Ben spent three years convincing the authorities that he would make an excellent dad. It all began for him 10 years ago, when he applied and became one of the youngest gay men in Yorkshire to adopt. He was also the first single man to apply in his local area of Kirklees.
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He continued: "I only ever wanted one child when I started on the process of adoption. I am a believer in fate - this is what I was meant to do."
Doing all of this single-handedly is no mean feat, but Ben says his mum and friend Jeanette offer him support. He also praised the charity Adoption UK for their support.
Ruby and Lilly. Credit: Huddersfield Examiner
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Ben also advises and educates prospective adopters and sits on his local adoption panel.
He said: "I celebrate and promote adoption. It's the most rewarding, satisfying and challenging thing I have done.
"I am not going to sugar-coat it because it's not for the faint-hearted. You have to be 100 percent committed. If you are considering adopting, make sure you have childcare experience. If you are not already a parent, make sure that it's right for you.
"I have always said that adopting a disabled child isn't right for everyone. You have to be totally honest with yourself."
Under Ben's care all the children have made 'significant progress', surprising social workers and medical professionals. He said seeing the children grow in confidence and learn new skills is what motivates him.
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Adding that when he first met little Ruby she was hooked up to a feeding machine, was unable to speak and needed a wheelchair.
"She looked a very sorry little girl," Ben said.
"She was petrified and shaking and it broke my heart. She is eating and walking now, although she has life-long needs."
Credit: Huddersfield Examiner
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"I am quite proud of myself that I have turned her life around. Seeing the changes in her is just outstanding.
"Seeing my children and how they are now is why I get up in the morning.
"In this house we have an 'I can do' attitude and we try to teach them as much independence as we can. Disability isn't the be-all and end-all."
What an absolutely amazing guy.
Source: Huddersfield Examiner
Featured Image Credit: Huddersfield Examiner