Hero dad's pride at national gong

HE has always been a hero in his children's eyes but now one Ipswich father has received a national accolade recognising him as a great dad.

Tim Mutum, of Pinewood, was nominated in the Tesco-run competition by his daughter-in-law, Emma, after helping her through a recent illness.

She told judges how the 54-year-old had been a constant source of care and support to son Steve's wife, making her relaxation CDs when she suffered insomnia and always being at the end of the phone when she needed him.

Mr Mutum said had been “chuffed to bits” to have been nominated, let alone win.

He said: “It is amazing really to come in the top three of several hundred entries.

“I was really pleased she had thought to enter me and went that extra mile to see if she could get me some recognition.”

The proud dad-of-two, a project executive for Babergh District Council for the last 30 years, said his family was “everything” to him.

He added: “I've always brought my children up to care about their family.

“Life is not a dress rehearsal, it is important to get as much out of it as possible and support each other through the tough times and make the most of the good ones together.”

Mr Mutum's fatherly kindness was rewarded with a track day at Brands Hatch and an evening's stay at a nearby hotel with his wife.

Emma Mutum, 23, of Chelmsford, said: “He has always been there for us.

“He is so supportive in whatever we have chosen to do.

“It is hard to explain, but we realised there is a lot of stuff we would not have managed without him.

“He helped so much with our wedding, organising our flowers and helping us move house.

“When you feel down you know you can just give him a call and he is always there.

“I was so pleased (he won), he really deserves it. We wanted to show him we really do appreciate him - he really is a great dad.”

Does your dad deserve an award? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk