Cuddledry sponsors 'Amazing Dad' award
An amazing Dad from Birmingham, David Dutton (left), is getting some well deserved recognition this month, after winning the Cuddledry sponsored Mother & Baby Big Heart Award, for being an ‘Amazing Dad’. The awards, run in partnership with Mother & Baby magazine and special care baby charity Bliss, were established to celebrate the unsung heroes who have cared for sick and premature babies.
Cuddledry, award winning creators of the Cuddledry baby apron towel, were thrilled to be able to sponsor the Amazing Dad award, as Bliss is a charity very close to their heart. Cuddledry already support Bliss through a special ‘kangaroo care’ edition of their famous baby towel (right), with £3 from each sale going directly to support the charity.
Jo Dutton from Birmingham, nominated her husband David for the Amazing Dad award. “Doctors told David and I that our daughter Jess had Down’s syndrome when she was just a couple of hours old,” explained Jo. “This news was a complete shock, and things got worse when Jess was suddenly rushed to the special care unit after oxygen levels in her blood plummeted. Over the coming days, David was unbelievably caring and positive. He stroked Jess’ face and hands through the incubator’s holes, and found all the information he possibly could to put mine and other family members’ minds at rest.
“When Jess was just seven months old I was devastated to lose my 24 year old brother. David was a tower of strength, keeping Jess entertained on days when I just couldn’t put on a happy face, and making sure our home was fun for our little girl. My whole family came to rely on his support.
“Now Jess is 22 months old. David takes Jess swimming once a week to improve her muscle tone, and helps her with her speech therapy. She is walking, feeding herself, saying her first few words and exceeding all our expectations. As for me, I’m now feeling focused enough to study for a law exam, which I really couldn’t do without David’s support. Jess couldn’t have a better father, and I couldn’t have a better husband. We are truly lucky to have such a brilliant man in our lives.”
The Big Heart Award ceremony is taking place this month. Both the winners and the people who nominated them will be attending the event at a top London Hotel, where they will be spoilt with a luxury afternoon tea.