Dad of the Year

Our 2011 Dad of the Year is Simon Owens! Here is his story:

Simon Owens and his wife Aoife, married and became pregnant in the summer of 2007. However, early on in Aoife’s pregnancy, her kidneys began to fail and their son was born 11 weeks premature, weighing in at a tiny 2lbs, 8ozs. Simon juggled looking after both his ill wife and premature baby, who was in intensive care, making sure to visit his son Rhys twice a day for six weeks.

Four weeks after their baby was discharged from hospital, Aoife began a two-year struggle with her failing kidneys, undergoing dialysis eight hours each night. During that time, Simon had to assume the role of chief income earner, housewife and mother, on top of being a father. Thankfully, in 2009, Aoife received a much-needed kidney transplant. Simon continued to care for her and their son throughout her surgery and recovery, providing constant reassurance for Rhys when he was worried and scared about his mum’s health.

The following year, Aoife fell pregnant and their second child, Nathan, was also born prematurely and had to spend three weeks in intensive care. Yet again, Simon was there every step of the way. Aoife says: “I just don’t know how he’s managed to keep the family smiling. He is the rock of our family and there aren’t enough awards in the world for him.” She sums up her husband’s crucial role in all of their lives when she says: “Rhys looks up to Simon so much already, and I know Nathan will too.”

Dad of the Year,Simon Owens and his wife and nominator Aoife