Our love lives on

When Benji Bennett’s four-year-old son, Adam, died of a fatal brain tumour in 2007, the Dublin-based dad felt an overwhelming need to do something.

“I felt Adam was so special and he was here for a reason, and that reason was to spread love around the world. I had always told him everyday that I loved him. So I started writing stories about Adam,” he says.

Prior to Christmas, Benji Bennett’s latest book, Adam’s Greatest Inventions, was nominated for the Specsavers ‘children’s book of the year’ awards — it was the fourth consecutive year that his books had been short-listed.

Benji, 42, and wife, Jackie, have three other children – Harry, 12, Robbie, six, and Molly, four. The writer, who used to work as a pricing manager with Vodafone, says, “I’ve been very much reborn into this other person that I am now — it’s all about the books, all about Adam’s message.”

What shape are you in?

Physically, I could be better. I walk the kids to school every morning. I want to get back doing a bit of running and cycling.

Do you have any health concerns?

I’m very lucky to be able to say no. I got my 40-something blood tests done recently and everything was cool. The only thing my family suffers from is high blood pressure — maybe because we’re passionate.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I don’t eat too much junk food, but I have very irregular eating patterns. I usually sit down with the intention of having toast and tea, after getting the kids to school, and instead it’s lunch- time before I eat. I’m trying to go easy on the red meat and to eat a bit more fish and more salads. Jackie is very good at keeping me on the greens.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Harry is a great popcorn maker. He does a great job mixing it with salt and butter. I like to have it at the end of an evening, when the small ones are in bed and we watch an hour of TV with the fire on. And, then, there’s the odd glass of wine — here and there.

What would keep you awake at night?

I used to sleep quite well, but recently, it seems, I’m always on. I’m not very good at writing a list, but I’m very good at waking up in the middle of the night and making a list in my bed. I could be awake writing stories in my head.

How do you relax?

Jackie and I go, at least once a week, to the cinema. I love going out for a walk, getting on the bike, hitting a golf ball around, or acting the fool with the kids. I love being outdoors.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I’ve always wanted to be a rocker and Robbie Williams has always been a favourite, so I’d invite him. Harry’s quite interested in Nelson Mandela, so I’d invite him, too.

What’s your favourite smell?

The smell of babies — they’re just so cute.

What would you change about your appearance?

I’d like cool hair and to get my nose straightened — I broke it a few times playing rugby. I’d like a nice six-pack on my belly.

When did you last cry?

When this beautiful couple bought one of my books, and I asked who it was for and she rubbed her belly.

I also had a big meltdown at a wedding when they played Adam’s favourite song, Ireland’s Call.

What trait do you least like in others?

Dishonesty — when people appear to be something they’re not.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I say yes too easily. I wish I found it easier to say no.

Do you pray?

I used to pray every night. My prayer was an Our Father and a couple of Hail Marys and ‘please bless our family and keep us strong’. I’m not saying I’m not a believer now. I hope I’m a good Christian.

What would cheer up your day?

Just having a giggle.