BALI SURVIVOR NAMED TOP DAD

AUSTRALIA’S worst injured survivor of the 2002 Bali bombings was yesterday named Queensland’s Father of the Year.

Gold Coast businessman Ben Tullipan, 39, who lost both his legs in the bombing after clinging to a 5 per cent chance of survival, offered a simple message to dads: cherish time with your children.

“At the hospital, they gave everyone a number as to how badly injured they were. I was number one,” Mr Tullipan said. “I had a lot to live for. I wanted a family.”

The now husband and father-of-two was awarded the prestigious title at a ceremony in Brisbane yesterday.

“My family is everything to me; I try and do everything I possibly can with my kids,” he said.

Wife Kerrie said Ben never let being a double amputee affect his ability as a dad.

“I don’t see the disability,” Mrs Tullipan said.

“He’s a hero to me and he’s a hero to our kids.”