Superdad Ben now welcomes fifth child
ADOPTION champion Ben Carpenter is preparing for his first Christmas as a father of five – and he couldn’t be happier.
The award-winning 34-year-old has spoken about his plans for the festivities and about life with his fifth adopted child, baby Noah.
The single gay dad, who was just 21 when he adopted his first child, is keen to promote adoption as an option for people of all backgrounds.
“For some reason, the number of adopters coming forward is at an alltime low,” he says.
“I think there are still myths out there that might be frightening people off.”
Ben, from Huddersfield, believes that ‘love and commitment’ are the most important attributes for a would-be adopter.
“As long as you have the space and time to show love and commitment, this is all that matters. The simple fact is anyone from any walk of life can do it.
“You don’t have to be a couple, you can be single. You can be from the LGBT community, it doesn’t matter. If you are thinking about adoption please come forward.”
One aspect to consider is the financial impact of adopting a child.
Some authorities offer a ‘moving in allowance’ but this might only be a few hundred pounds, he says.
“Making sure you are financially sta- ble (is important) so you can support the needs of the child.”
He says 2018 has been a busy year as it has taken months to sort out the adoption of Noah.
“He moved in seven weeks ago. It has been a long process and I had to be reappraised as a fifth time adopter.”
Noah, who is 18 months old, has a genetic disorder called Cornelia de Lange syndrome and has a range of medical conditions.
“He is very severely disabled child,” explains Ben.
“He is unlikely to ever walk, talk or eat by himself. He has missing bones in his body and is tube-fed. He is deaf and is registered blind. He is a lovely little boy. Some people will see a disabled child and think ‘what quality of life do they have’?
“Noah has the most wonderful personality. He smiles and giggles and gives so much back in his own little way. His background is quite a sad story but I would like to think it has a happy ending and this is the start of something lovely.”
Ben says Noah and his other children, all of whom have disabilities, are thriving.
Jack, 11, has started at high school and is a huge fan of Harry Potter ; Ruby, eight, has been impressive in her school concert ; Lily, six, may soon be moving to a school for the deaf ; and Joseph has now turned three.
“All the children are surprising the medical professionals. Jack has started high school and is doing well.
“Ruby is flourishing in special school. The teaching is tailor-made for her and the difference is amazing. They are all doing wonderfully. It is lovely to see them flourishing.”
Christmas is one of Ben’s favourite times of the year and he can’t wait to see the children’s faces on Christmas Day as they open their presents.
“We have the tree up and the nativity up and it’s like a Christmas party every night with the music going. There’s a lot of presents for the children and it’s going to be carnage. I just love seeing their little faces.”
One of Ben’s highlights of 2017 was receiving messages and emails from well-wishers who