A fundraising father who took part in a gruelling challenge has been awarded ‘Dad of the Year’ at the Radio Pembrokeshire Local Hero Awards 2014 earlier this month.
The award, which is sponsored by Oakwood Theme Park, was handed over to Pembroke dad Jeff Davies by the Park’s director Dominic Jones.
Jeff was nominated by his daughter Charlotte Hawkes after raising more than £5,000 for the chemotherapy unit at Withybush Hospital.
After losing both his father and his father-in-law to lung cancer, Jeff set himself the challenge of walking and cycling the 177-mile length of Offa’s dyke in seven days.
He actually managed to complete the challenge in six days and, along with a charity disco, raised over £5,000 for the unit.
“My dad is always thinking of other people and it is very rare that you will find him not doing something for others,” said Charlotte.
“Over the years he has also taken part in numerous events for local charities and organised a golf day for years in aid of arthritis charities.
“When I found out I was pregnant earlier this year and had to move to a bigger house, my dad worked every hour under the sun to get my house ready not to mention the financial help he gave me at the same time,” she added.
This is the second year Oakwood Theme Park has sponsored the award and Park Director Dominic Jones believes it’s important to support and showcase the extraordinary efforts of the community’s unsung heroes.
“It was a pleasure to be able to award Jeff with his prize and hear about his, and all the other finalists’, amazing contributions,” said Dominic.
“The awards ceremony is always a mix of happiness and sadness as you hear first hand about the enormous difficulties and challenges that people have to face and overcome.
“However it’s also an incredibly uplifting and inspiring evening and it’s a tremendous way to remind us all there are so many good people out there doing great things for others,” he added.
Oakwood Theme Park re-opens to the public on April 11th.
Issued by Oakwood Theme Park. For more information please contact Clare Stansfield or Dominic Jones on 01834 815170.