A DAD from Blaenau Gwent has bared all for a charity calendar to raise funds for a children's hospice.
Mechanic Georgie Fear, 35, of Abertillery, took part in the Ty Hafan charity calendar as a thank you for his daughter's care. Four-year-old Ailyla suffers from severe brain damage, quadriplegic cerebral palsy, epilepsy and blindness.
By taking part in the calendar, the father-of-three hopes he can spread the message that "dads need support as well".
"When you think of a hospice, it’s hard to believe your child needs to go there. 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," he said.
“Despite her problems, we all adore Ailyla and we know we have to make the most every moment with her. She’s beautiful and we love her to bits.”
Mr Fear has also suffered his own health problems, having his leg amputated at the age of 11 after being diagnosed with bone cancer.
He said: “It hasn’t stopped me doing anything I have wanted to achieve. I never felt comfortable wearing shorts or showing my leg, so it was quite liberating doing the calendar.”
"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," he added.
The calendar's message is to encourage dads to not only bare their naked bodies but to expose their feelings on the realities of life-limiting conditions and how they will cope when their child dies.
Ty Hafan’s male support worker, Gareth Jenkins, helped lead 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 Mr Jenkins.
“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.”
The Ty Hafan dads' group started in 2008 hosting social and sports get-togethers and allowing members to share their worries and fears about having a child with a life-limiting condition.
The calendar, costing £10, can be bought at Ty Hafan’s charity shops and online by visiting www.tyhafanshop.org
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