“Any man can be a father but it takes someone special to be a dad” Anne Geddes
With Father’s Day this Sunday, we asked iCandy Dads what fatherhood means to them and how becoming a father has changed them. From an Olympic Rower to an Actor, each person we spoke to has a very different way of life, but they all have one thing in common…fatherhood.
When it comes to becoming a parent for the first time, focus is often on the new mum and whilst there is no denying that pregnancy and birth is a momentous physical and emotional change for a woman, what about the changes a man undergoes in becoming a father? So, this Father’s Day iCandy is #dedicatedtodads with an aim to shine the spotlight on different perspectives of fatherhood and the ups and downs that the journey may bring…
Alex Gregory MBE- Olympic Rower & iCandy Dad,
“I constantly question myself, second guess and worry about decisions I make with these little people I’m supposed to raise into fine young adults. And do you know what? Every parent is the same. Being a parent is the biggest adventure of our lives. There are ups and downs, but when I sink my head down on the pillow each night I think, there’s no ‘dadventure’ in the world I’d rather be on.”
Blake Samson- Professional Freeride Mountain Biker, Presenter & iCandy Dad,
“Being a professional athlete and my selfish ways for 15 years, it was all about my career. Family life wasn’t for me and I felt like I wasn’t ready to be a dad, but to be honest you’re never ready. Then little man came along and from that day forward seeing Charlie’s face changed who I am. My goal now is to be the best dad and role model to Charlie. To all you dads out there, you’ll never feel ready, so you’ve just got to go for it. It’ll be the best thing you’ve ever done. Happy Father’s Day to my dad, Malcolm Samson.”
Warren ‘Day with Dad’- Blogger & iCandy Dad,
“Being a role model is the most powerful form of educating. Too often fathers neglect it because they get so caught up in making a living, they forget to make a life.”
Tim Vincent- Actor, Presenter & iCandy Dad,
“Being a father changes not only your outlook on life but your outlook on behalf of your new baby, in my case two new babies. Jasper and Felix make me laugh every day and my heart swell, nothing will ever be the same again. Every experience will be enriched. I just wish like new parents, I could catch up on my sleep! Happy Father’s Day to all.”
Cristian Toro-Olympic Canoeist & iCandy Dad,
“For me, life has started since my son arrived. All my achievements have been to give him a better life and human values that will serve him for the rest of his life. Paternity for me is the path you walk, alongside the person you love most in the world”.
Fuzz Townshend- TV presenter, Motor Journalist & iCandy Dad,
“Fatherhood later in life is a rare privilege. I have older children, but to have had the chance to re-enter the fray feels wonderful. I'm ready for sleepless nights; after all, my night-owl days are way behind me, but my ability to support my partner, Karen, knowing what's to come will, I hope, be key to an amazing revisit to fatherhood”.
Happy Father's Day!