BARRY dads are among those who have stripped off for a calendar to raise funds and awareness for Ty Hafan, the hospice for children in Wales.

The dads, who are all connected to the Sully-based charity, decided to bare themselves, both literally and figuratively, talking about their feelings and discussing the realities of having a child with a life-limiting condition.

Gareth Jenkins, Ty Hafan’s male support worker, led the project.

“Dads are often expected to remain strong for the rest of the family," he said. "But this calendar shows that behind their tough exterior, they feel vulnerable too.

“We hope the public not only have smiles on their faces when looking at our pictures, but also a better understanding of what life can be like for our dads and why it’s vital that they don’t face their struggles alone.”

The dads modesty was kept intact by strategically placed items such as rugby balls, surf boards and bikes, and each image accompanies heartfelt, as well as light-hearted descriptions about Ty Hafan’s support.

Huw Liddell, of Barry, whose one-year-old son Osian receives support from the charity, is one of the featured dads.

Osian was born with a rare degenerative autoimmune disorder which only 400 people in the world have ever been diagnosed with. Around 40 per cent of children with the condition don’t survive past the age of five

Mr Liddell said said: “Ty Hafan means so much to our family because they give us the support and the facilities to be the best parents we can be, which ultimately gives our boy the best life possible.

“I wanted to take part in the calendar to help Ty Hafan for all they have done for us, and I can’t run marathons.”

The calendar, costing £10, is available at Ty Hafan’s charity shops and online by visiting www.tyhafanshop.org

T? Hafan thanked Josh Llewellyn-Jones, managing director of J Squared Marketing, for designing the calendar free-of-charge.

Calendar proceeds will support Ty Hafan’s work with life-limited children, young people and their families from across Wales.