The votes are in and Wagon Wheels is elated to announce the winner of this year’s coveted Epic Dad of The Year Award is Darren Chillery-Watson, a frontline COVID worker, who beat stiff competition from four other EPIC dads.
2020 marked a historic shake up to the Dad of The Year award. Usually crowning the most voted for Celebrity Dad of The Year, this year’s Epic Dad of The Year, sponsored by maverick biscuit brand Wagon Wheels, called for votes to crown the heroes and legends of 2020, and those who have gone above and beyond to help their communities throughout the Coronavirus Pandemic.
A nation-wide vote saw Darren Chillery-Watson, aged 49 from Wiltshire, swoop up the coveated prize for making enormous sacrifices for his family during the Coronavirus pandemic.
During the lockdown period, Darren has been living in his garden shed to enable his daughter, Carmella, to practise social shielding due to her Muscular Dystrophy condition. This selfless act has meant reduced contact with his daughter but allowed him to continue vital work transporting coronavirus samples from his local community for testing.
Despite the long working days, Darren still finds the time to regularly support Muscular Dystrophy charities and has inspired families across the nation following his appearance on The Channel 4 documentary ‘Britain’s Unsung Heroes’, where he shared insight into the heart-warming bond his family has been able to maintain despite their challenges.
Darren beat stiff competition from four other EPIC dads including Richard Leaman, an ingenious PPE crafter, Ben Goodyear, an inspirational vicar and local fundraising legend, retired police officer Craig Brooks and serial charity fundraiser Oliver Richbell.
Speaking of his win, Darren said: “I am beyond humbled that, as a family, we have been acknowledged by the nation for the efforts we’ve been going to during these unprecedented times. The protection of my family and particularly my daughter, is most important to me. I think I speak on behalf of all fathers when saying that, so I didn’t hesitate for one second when deciding to emigrate to the garden shed!”
Wagon Wheel’s Epic Dad of the Year Award shortlisted five fabulous fathers following an open public vote.
