A single superdad has adopted a fifth child with special needs.
Ben Carpenter, who lives in London, was just 21 years old when he took his eldest son Jack in, and is believed to be the youngest gay adopter in the world.
The 34-year-old told the Mirror: I love it. People say it is hard work but I love every bit of what I do. They are amazing kids. They dont ever let their disabilities hold them back, they just get on with life.
Since then Ben, from West Yorkshire, has adopted Ruby, now seven, who has Pierre Robin syndrome, scoliosis, is blind and has limited use of her arms due to missing bones.
He then welcomed Rubys half-sister Lucy, six, who is deaf, to the family, and Joseph, three, who has Downs syndrome and uses a colostomy bag.
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However, Ben just had to become 15-month-old Noahs dad after seeing him in an adoption magazine.
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He said: I could see he had profound disabilities and I instantly fell in love.
Noah has severe birth defects in his arms and legs.
Ben has previously been named Adopter Champion of the Year for his help with taking in children with special needs, which are the hardest to place for adoption.
Ben and the children are living with his mum Rita, 65, who helps them out a lot. He also gets assistance from friends.
Ben added: It has its moments, I cant sugarcoat that, we have some really trying times. I have five children all with really complex needs, there is a lot of appointments up and down the country which can be quite draining.
But Ben, who worked with adults and children with special needs before adopting and has always wanted to become a father, said he cant imagine doing anything else.
Although he urges people to consider adopting children with disabilities, he said he accepts its not for everyone.
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