UK award given to supportive dad
12:00pm Saturday 26th January 2013 in Latest News
Alex Fereday, with wife Rachel and son Ethan
Dad Alex Fereday has been crowned a fantastic father in the national Mother & Baby Big Heart awards.
He looked after his poorly wife Rachel and baby while still working full-time after a difficult delivery left Mrs Fereday unable to walk for weeks.
Mrs Fereday, 33, said the umbilical cord became entwined around baby Ethan’s neck and she was rushed into surgery when his heart rate dropped. He was lodged in the birth canal and had to be delivered with forceps.
Later Mr Fereday, of Argyle Drive, Chippenham, took paternity leave from his job at Leafield Logistics in Corsham and then cut down his hours so his wife, a partner at Awdrey Bailey & Douglas Solicitors in Devizes, could carry on her career.
Mrs Fereday nominated her husband for the award without telling him.
She said: “Alex has always been supportive right from the start.
“My stomach muscles were badly split and I could barely walk or sit down for three weeks. Alex waited on me hand and foot.
“Ethan had colic and was screaming every night and Alex got up, even though he had to get up for work the next day.”
Mr Fereday, 35, found himself a bit of a novelty as he was the only man at mum and baby group.
“He took Ethan to Spring Rise children’s centre in Frogwell,” said Mrs Fereday.
“It was quite awkward him being the only man there, but he didn’t mind.”
Mr Fereday said: “It was just me and about 20 other women. It was a bit strange when they were all talking about breast feeding. I didn’t have first-hand knowledge but I joined in anyway.
“It was when they were breast feeding themselves, that was the more awkward part – I didn’t know where to look.”
The first he knew about the award was when he won it.
“I thought Rachel was joking. I was very chuffed,” he said.
The line manager said becoming a dad was the best thing he has ever done.
“It didn’t bother me in the slightest staying home. It’s nice being with him and we’ve got a really good bond now.”
Ethan is nearly 14 months old and going to Tumble Tots with dad at St Paul’s Church every week.
It took the Feredays five hours to drive through the snow on Friday to get to the awards ceremony at the London Hilton in Park Lane.
The awards support premature baby charity Bliss.
