THIRTEEN dads from Salisbury are being recognised by the Journal this Father's Day for their caring and loving personalities.
This year, to celebrate the city's special dads, we asked our readers to enter their dad or partner in our Father's Day competition and write a little bit about what makes them special.
Below are 13 men nominated by you.
To vote for your favourite, who would be in with a chance of winning a £50 shopping voucher, simply pick up a copy of this week's paper (Thursday, June 17 edition), fill out the form on page 56 and post it to Father's Day Competition, Salisbury Journal, Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, DT4 9XD.
The voting deadline is July 3.
1. “A one in a million”, Jason Morson has been put forward by his children for the way he looks after his family, including home schooling, housework and looking after their mother, all with “a big heart and big cuddles”.
2. From helping around the house to fixing cars, “if Keith Rowling can’t fix it no one can” said Tanya Ward. He has helped the family more than anyone else, and is considered an absolute superhero by his offspring.
3. “Fun, kind, considerate” and “bringing magic into our lives” is how Patrick Mundy was described by Paula Redway, creating the ultimate family life with his actions - including feeding a robin from his hands.
4. Peter Whatton spent 22 years in the Army, and yet he always made it to important events in daughter Amelia’s life. She said: “He puts his children first and I feel like he deserves this money to spend on himself.”
5. Sophia Cavellec nominated her partner for the top dad accolade, for the impact he has had on both her and her daughter’s life. He makes the family “happy and safe” and “without him it wouldn’t have been possible to be where we are today”.
6. Described as “the best dad and granddad”, Don Hewlett was nominated by daughter Abigail Bird, who said he deserved a treat with his 80th birthday coming up. He has always been there for his family, even when his grandchildren had grown up.
7. Harry King is “a real natural” when it comes to fatherhood and looking after six-month-old Rose, as well as “the perfect husband”, according to wife Laura. He has been supportive throughout tough times, providing hugs, dinner and cups of tea.
8. John Hayes had a stroke weeks before his daughter was born. His wife Veronica said: “He’s the best role model anyone could wish for in demonstrating how to handle life’s ups and downs. He may feel he’s missed out on a lot this last year but he’s made sure our little one hasn’t missed out on anything she needs!”
9. Despite catching the virus himself, father-of-three Jamie Blay took over home schooling responsibilities when his wife Tina was taken to hospital with Covid. He is “kind and selfless” and “always puts his family first”.
10. Henry Gilbert is “the most amazing dad” to his son Alfie, who was stillborn in October 2019, and his five-month-old daughter Eden. His partner Lucy Hammond said he and Eden have “an incredibly strong bond”.
11. Dave Budd, pictured with his granddaughter, moved from Sussex to be closer to his daughter Donna Harris, who was a single mum for 17 years. Donna says her dad “is always there for lifts or advice”. During the first lockdown in March last year, he even did their shopping!
12. When his son Remy was born, Luke Curtis visited hospital in Southampton every day to support his partner Beth George who’d just had a C-section. Beth said: “He is the most loving and giving dad to us. Without Luke we would be nothing.”
13. When his son was taken to hospital with a brain tumour, Robert Hurworth slept by his bed the whole time. He’s now helping him get his life back on track. “We still have a massive hill to climb but with him around I know we will make it,” said Henry.
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