Closer’s Inspirational Dad of the Year Awards 2016: The nominees

A dad’s work is never, ever done – and here at Closer we believe these amazing men should be recognised for their hard work!

Which is why we want to reward hard-working, dedicated and inspirational men – and we need your help.

For Closer’s Dad Of The Year Awards 2016, we’ve shortlisted a list of celebrities, bloggers and real-life dads for you to choose from.

They come from all walks of lives, and each have very different stories, but one thing they have in common is the love and devotion they show to their children.

And when we asked you our readers to nominate those father figures who've made an massive impact of your life, we were truly moved by all the amazing dads out ther - keep up the good work!

And we've shortlisted a list of men we believe have gone the extra mile, and deserve the crown of Closer Inspirational Dad of the Year 2016.

But now we just need YOUR help.

Read through the list of nominees below and they could win some FAB prizes, including this selection of goodies:

The winning dad will receive a mix of goodies featured in our Father's Day Gift Guide that includes:

Closer’s Inspirational Dad of the Year Awards 2016 nominees:

Leighton Tucker

As nominated by wife Vicky. She said:

“From the first time I met him I knew he’d make such an amazing father, and after 7 years together we now have Cameron, four, Ruby, two, and Caio, one.

"He was in the infantry army when we had our first Cameron, and he missed out on the first year of his life.

"But Leighton soon realised how much he'd missed out on so came out of the army and went to become a home manger of mental health - a really stressful role. But as soon as he comes home from work after a stressful day he immediately switches into ‘daddy mode’ and plays with the children, does bath time, helps clean up the house, and generally does anything that needs doing with a smile on his face.

"The past year has really been sent to try us. My youngest son was born five weeks early which resulted in me having a emergency C-section, and three weeks after being taken home, Caio was diagnosed with viral meningitis. But through all this he was my rock and always made sure myself and the kids were okay first. If it wasn't for him, I’d never have got through any of it.”

Richard Williams

As nominated by friend Stephanie. She said:

"Last April my friend Richard's 24-year-old wife lost her battle with cancer and he has been left to raise their young children on his own. I am their childminder, as he works full time to provide for them both.

"He truly is the most amazing father I have ever met. Dad to Jack, six and Katie, four, Richard is only young himself, so to be left to bring up his two beautiful children on his own is in itself an amazing thing.

"I'm sure not many men as young as him would cope as well as he has. He is a true inspiration and a credit to all of his family and I am absolutely certain his wife Lisa will be looking down on him and will be so, so proud of such a good job he is doing in raising their children."

Sean Langley

As nominated by girlfriend Kerry Birch. She said:

“He is an amazing step dad to my daughter. Soon after we got together I fell very ill and he instantly took time off work to help me take care of my daughter.

"He took over school runs and taking care of the house. He has been an incredible support and has helped financially after I had to go on sick pay.

"He has bonded with my little girl more than I ever thought any man could. He is the most generous amazing man I could ever be blessed enough to meet.

"To cheer me up and so I'm not lonely, he even bought me a puppy to keep me company. He is a truly amazing man and I'd love him to know what he means to us.”

Barrie Nixon

As nominated by wife Catherine Nixon. She said:

“Barrie is the father to my two wonderful boys Nathan, 17, and Charlie, 10, and he gives up all his free time coaching three youth development football teams ranging from the ages of five up to 10.

“He takes his disabled mother on shopping trips and days out while she waits to have a knee replacement. He also helps me to rescue abandoned and abused puppies while we find them a forever home; helps train them and get them used to a family environment as most of the puppies are from Romania.

"He would go that extra mile for anyone and truly deserves someone to do the same for him.”

Jim Harrison

As nominated by wife Stacy Lisa Harrison. She said:

“Jim is a wonderful dad to our four kids. He works full time, and he looks after me as I'm disabled. He does all the house work, cooking and cleaning.

“We couldn't live without him. He never complains, he always makes us feel loved, cared for and spoiled. Life can be very hard for me, but with him, he makes it easy.

“He helps me with everything. He organises his work around the kids so he's always there to take them to school every morning, and him and my mum do pick ups between them. He never asks for anything for himself, and never even asks for a rest - even after a 70 hour week at work! He deserves something really special just for him."

Sid Freeman

As nominated by daughter Kerri Anne Purcell. She said:

“My dad Sid is one of a kind. He is technically my step-dad. He took me and my two sisters (eldest was a teen at the time!) on when he met my mum and has never even worried about being a dad to three girls.

"He does nothing but provide for us, care for us and always goes above and beyond. In 2011, I had to be pulled out of school due to severe bullying. My dad gave up his job and home-schooled me to make sure I passed my GCSE's. Thanks to him, I passed with all A*s-C's.

“When I was 15, I was also diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder and severe depression due to the bullying at school. My dad made sure he took me to appointments, therapy and was generally just there when I was having a low day. He never once thought that it 'wasn't his job' as my "step-dad". He just got on and supported me in any possible way.

“It's thanks to him and my mum that I am fully recovered and back to work now. He is also back to work as a chef and works very long hours to provide for us. This is why my dad is the best dad out there.”

Nigel Jones

As nominated by daughter Katie Elizabeth. She said:

“I know that everyone thinks their dad is the best, but mine really is! My daughter (now three)'s father left us both two years ago and it's been a constant uphill struggle ever since.

“My dad has not only been my dad but he's taken the roll of 'dad' in my daughters life too. He makes sure that no matter what, neither of us ever want for anything. He works so hard to provide for us and treats us both like princesses.

“I wouldn't have been able to survive the break up, court and learning to become a single mother if it wasn't for my dad - he is mine and my daughter's rock.

"There is nothing in the world that can express my thanks for my dad but I’m certain this would be the closest thing.”

We think all of these dads deserve to win!

Voting has now closed.

To find out more about Closer’s Dad Of The Year Awards 2016 - including a list of all the celebrity, blogger and real life dad nominees - click here.

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