Simon Hawtrey-Woore is a 45-year-old dad from Walthamstow, London. When not being a dad he’s an Executive Coach. His daughter, Scarlett, is aged nine and was born on 23 December 2004, 6 weeks early and with an undiagnosed syndrome wrapped up as Global Development Delay.
Last Sunday, Simon completed a 5-kilometre race with Scarlett and his family in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. We are nominating Simon as our Inspirational Dad to celebrate Father’s Day and to help raise funds and support GOSH. Click here to donate.
If you had to sum up the most rewarding thing about being a dad, what would it be?
The connection I have with Scarlett when we are in the moment mucking about together – we both love being outside in all weathers exploring. As she develops we explore more and more.
If you had to sum the most challenging thing about being a dad, what would it be?
Staying in the present and not looking too far ahead. In the moment, right now all is possible.
What would you describe as your proudest ‘dad’ moment(s)?
Every morning when I start a new day with Scarlett and I see her cheeky, determined character.
If you could share a piece of ‘life’s wisdom’ with Scarlett, what would it be?
Scarlett gives ME life wisdom all the time – love life, love yourself, be open to people’s giving and be ever curious of the world around.
If you could share a piece of ‘life’s wisdom’ with other dads, what would it be?
Be 100% present with your children – no phones, no papers in the park, no TV in the background – in THEIR moment when you are with THEM.
GOSH – Race for the Kids, 8th June in Battersea Park
Scarlett’s first race medal was an amazing experience. I’ve spent the last 6 years running 10k’s and ½ marathons collecting finishers medals but to do the GOSH’s Race for the Kids with Scarlett made me hugely proud of my little girl.
Scarlett spent her early years in and out of GOSH and didn’t walk until she was 7 so I could never image that she would be taking part in a race to raise money for the hospital that helped her so much.
I saw the poster on the tube and thought – hey we can do that, family piled in and the t-shirts arrived. Scarlett’s just started to copy so having us all in the same t-shirt was so exciting for her.
The race atmosphere on the day was amazing with so many families supporting GOSH. Scarlett wasn’t too impressed with the slow queue to the start line and hadn’t appreciated the race dynamic as she signed ‘finish’ and ‘home’ before we’d even got going. Once underway however she got swept along with the crowds and loved it!
We walked, buggied, piggy-backed, sat on the odd bench and stood for a while, all in our 1 hour 30 finish time! Being with Scarlett in the crowds, in our running kit, race numbers and with the support of the family brought tears to my eyes.
Seeing the excitement in Scarlett’s eyes as she crossed the finish line, got her medal and met all her family supporters was amazing! Even 6 months again I couldn’t have imagined it would have been possible or that she would have been so aware of what it all meant. It’s taught me so much about believing in the possible and just having a go at life. Play big with our children.
Scarlett has already raised over £1,000 for GOSH and her presence pulled so many friends and family together in support. She’s a special little girl and I am lucky she has chosen me to be her Dad.