TO the Park family, Graham Carpenter isn’t just a charity chief executive - he’s a life-saver.

14-year-old Asperger’s sufferer Tim Park had come close to suicide after being bullied at his school when his family approached the Dandelion Trust for Children in West Farleigh last year.

A year on, and dad Ron Park says they are indebted to the charity founder for having turned around their lives.

Mr Park, of Plains Avenue, Shepway, Maidstone, who says his son is now “very stable”, has nominated Mr Carpenter for a Pride of Maidstone Award.

He said: “He’s the most remarkable man. My son was in a bad way a year ago but he’s a different person now.”

“He’s done wonders.”

He described Mr Carpenter as “a tireless worker trying to help children with difficulties”.

The trust, which Mr Carpenter helped establish six years ago, offers children and their families the chance to take part in creative, gardening and farm projects in the grounds of historic Elmscroft House in Charlton Lane.

Mr Carpenter, 50, said: “We work with the whole family to get children into a better state of mind.

“Many are seriously disadvantaged; many have difficulties at home and most are expelled from school.

“We work here with our farm and garden to offer an experiential service for the whole family with the idea that children are often symptom bearers rather than the problem themselves.

“There are very few services that work with the whole family.”

Mr Carpenter said he started the service after hearing a GP bewailing the lack of options, aside from medication, available to children with difficulties.

And he added: “I think it was a belief that environment matters. Young people need space and time - they need quality time to be with their parents.”

DO YOU know a hero or heroine of the community who should be honoured in this year’s Pride of Maidstone awards?

As part of our 150th anniversary celebrations the Kent Messenger is joining forces with Maidstone council to bring back the awards, which give recognition to the unsung heroes and inspirational individuals of the borough.

We’re looking for readers to nominate deserving candidates for their achievements, good deeds and selfless service to others.

It may be a charity worker or carer who gives their all to improve the lives of others, or perhaps an inspirational figure from the world of business or sport.

Perhaps a single act of bravery or a good deed needs to be recognised; perhaps your nominee has defied illness or adversity.

Whatever the reason, this is your chance to think of someone who deserves saluting for their achievements and put their name forward for recognition.

Children can be nominated for a special Maidstone Marvel category.

To make your nomination for the Pride of Maidstone awards see the form on this website, fill it in and send it to the address shown. The closing date for entries is Sunday, May 31, and the awards will be presented with certificates at a ceremony later this year.