Dads bare all for Ty Hafan fundraiser

A GROUP of dads who have children with life-limiting conditions have raised funds for the “wonderful” charity that has supported them – by getting naked.

Ty Hafan, a charity based in Penarth, launched its naked calendar ‘Dads Bare All’ on October 6 at the Tramshed in Grangetown, Cardiff.

As well as raising a few smiles, the calendar holds a deeper meaning for the dads. Each father has not only bared their bodies, but also exposed their feelings on raising a child with a life-limiting condition and how they cope when their child sadly dies.

Gareth Jenkins, Ty Hafan’s male support worker, has led the project alongside photographer, Paul Fears, who is also a Ty Hafan dad.

“Dads are often expected to remain strong for the rest of the family, but this calendar shows that behind their tough exterior, they feel vulnerable too,” said Gareth.

“We hope the public not only have smiles on their faces when looking at our pictures, but also a better understanding of what life can be like for our dads and why it’s vital that they don’t face their struggles alone.”

Paul, from Church Village, Rhondda Cynon Taff, said: “We felt really passionate about creating a sophisticated and classic feel to the calendar.

“A lot of the guys were quite nervous to brave the elements in front of the camera, but as one dad said ‘I would go the moon and back for my son, so stripping off for this calendar was the easy bit’.”

Their modesty is kept intact by strategically placed items such as rugby balls, surf boards and bikes, and each image accompanies heartfelt, as well as light-hearted, descriptions about the charity’s support and why the group were keen to be part of the ‘Dads Bare All’ project.

Georgie Fear from Abertillery is yet to stay at Ty Hafan with his daughter Ailyla, but the support he has already received from the charity inspired him to take part in the dads’ calendar.

“When you think of a hospice, it’s hard to believe your child needs to go there,” he said.

“But when we arrived at Ty Hafan, it’s so different to what you imagine. We felt immediately relaxed and the staff were so welcoming.”

Georgie, a 35-year-old mechanic, is a doting dad to three children, including four-year-old Ailyla who suffers from severe brain damage, quadriplegic cerebral palsy, epilepsy and is also blind.

“She probably has one of the worst cases of epilepsy,” said Georgie.

“Despite her problems, we all adore her and we know we have to make the most every moment with her. She’s beautiful and we love her to bits.”

Georgie has also suffered his own health problems. At the age of 11, his lower leg was amputated after he was diagnosed with bone cancer.

He said: “It hasn’t stopped me doing anything I wanted to achieve. I never felt comfortable wearing shorts or showing my leg, so it was quite liberating doing the calendar.”

A keen cyclist, Georgie is pictured with his bike on Sully Beach which is located opposite the hospice.

He said: “I really enjoyed taking part in the calendar. It was such a laugh to get together with all the other dads and I think the message is very powerful as dads need support as well.

“We have revealed not only our bodies, but also our true feelings on what it’s like to care for a life-limited child. I hope everyone gets behind the calendar and it raises lots of funds and awareness for this fantastic charity.”

The Ty Hafan dads’ group first started in 2008. A support network for fathers, the group enables dads to meet others in the same situation, helping them share their worries and fears about having a child with a life-limiting condition.

They also have a lot of fun together and enjoy social events like going to the rugby, cricket or even just meeting for a chat.

The calendar, costing £10, can be bought at Ty Hafan’s charity shops and online by visiting www.tyhafan.org.

All proceeds from the calendar will support Ty Hafan’s work with families from across Wales.