It seems like Mother’s Day was only just a few weeks ago, but now it is time to celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures in our lives.

In 1972, President Nixon signed a law officially recognising Father's Day as a national holiday. The first Father’s Day was celebrated years earlier after a lady named Sonora Smart-Dodd was inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon and proposed that fathers should have a special day as well.

I find my dad much harder to buy for than anyone else! He has everything, so what more could he want?

I have a very good and close relationship with both my parents. My dad is now in his early 70s, but he certainly doesn’t let age affect his lifestyle. We are both keen runners; every year, we enter a big race in Sheffield as a pair (around 15 miles). Last year, we decided to dress up, and we both wore purple tutus while we were running! I really look forward to spending race day with him, although he is much faster than I am.

Another fatherly influence I had growing up was my grandad. He lived a long way away, so we didn’t visit often, but I have fond memories of him. The things that come to mind when I think of him are that he had a keen interest in gardening and growing, was brilliant at DIY, enjoyed golf (while he could), and was very financially astute. All great qualities to have and look up to. He passed some of these interests to my dad, who, in turn, passed them to me.

Father's Day is a reminder of the importance of fathers and father figures in shaping our lives. I wish I had met my other grandad – I'm sure my life would have been different if I had.

The youngest recorded father was just 11 years old - I can imagine he would have needed a lot of guidance from his family! In contrast, the oldest is reportedly 92 years old.

To celebrate the fathers and father figures in our lives, I have created a dedicated space online where you can leave messages and pictures. Why not leave a dedication to say thank you or share a memory to honour your father and show how he inspires you every day?

mha.dedicationpage.org/fathersday

Latest articles

What working at MHA has taught me about planning ahead

A piece of history - reminiscence at MHA Handsworth

Why the UK Care Sector Needs a Fair Settlement Pathway for Overseas Workers