ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Single Dad Adopts Sixth Child With Special Needs After Dedicating Life To Helping Vulnerable Kids

Single Dad Adopts Sixth Child With Special Needs After Dedicating Life To Helping Vulnerable Kids

Ben admits caring for six children isn’t easy, but he wouldn't change it for the world.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Ben Carpenter became the youngest gay man to adopt when he brought home his first child Jack when he was just 21.

But the now 37-year-old has since expanded his family and has dedicated his life to looking after the more vulnerable members of the world.

He has adopted another five children with special needs, but sadly lost his son Teddy two years ago after he contracted sepsis.

The bloke from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, adopted his sixth child in April last year after taking some time out to grieve Teddy.

The latest addition to the Carpenter family is Louis, who is now two years old and who has cerebral palsy and is blind.

Caters

Louis joins Jack, Ben's first adopted child who is now 14 years old and has autism; Ruby who has complex needs and is aged 11; Lilly who is nine and profoundly deaf; and Joseph, aged six, who has Down's Syndrome.

Ben explained: "I never wanted to become a biological dad because being a parent is so much more than that. I wanted to help kids that were the most vulnerable and the ones that were most in need of a loving and caring home."

Ben admits caring for six children isn't easy, but he wouldn't change it for the world.

He added: "I had always dreamed about having a big family. I often sit and imagine them all at each other's weddings.

"They are all so supportive of each other's needs and I am so proud that I have created a happy, loving and stable environment for them to grow up in. As much as I have changed their life, they have also changed mine. And I would never say never to having another child.

"I had a lot to prove at such a young age. I needed to show that I was mature enough and could offer these kids what they needed.

"The good thing about adoption that you can't do in pregnancy is picking the gender of the child.

"So to begin with I chose a boy and then a girl because I thought that would be the perfect set up and luckily got accepted and matching with my son and daughter, Jack and Ruby.

"I was then asked if I would take my biological daughter's sister which I agreed to do. So I had two girls and one boy and I thought I should even it out again and adopt another son.

"So I applied for a boy with Down Syndrome and within three days I was matched to a baby boy who had just been born with the condition."

Featured Image Credit: Caters

Topics: News, Inspirational