Wentworth Woodhouse honour for delighted dads

Robert White and David Harker’s names, along with messages of love and gratitude from their families, will be up on high in the stately home's roof, where they will stay for centuries to come.

The pair won the accolade in a Wentworth Woodhouse Fathers’ Day competition run by the Advertiser.

Robert and David each win a tour for two and a personalised slate to go onto the roof as part of Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust's Make your Mark in History appeal. 

The appeal hopes to raise up to £250,000 from supporters sponsoring slates for a minimum donation of £50 a time.

Robert was nominated by his daughter Kerry White, of Rawmarsh.  

Life changed dramatically for the White family when Robert suffered a major heart attack at 44.

It left him unable to work — but the former steelworker and warehouseman at Dale Farm was determined to support his family in other ways.

“Dad took over at home to allow mum to become the breadwinner,” said Kerry.

“He learned how to cook, clean and use the washing machine. 

“It was dad who got up early every day to make our house nice and warm in winter, made our packed lunches and had tea ready when my brother Jason and I got home.

“He’s not just been the greatest dad to me and my brother, but the very best grandad to my two daughters Carenza (10) and Kimiko (13), who love him to infinity.”

Robert, who is now 72 and lives in Parkgate, is very proud of Wentworth Woodhouse and has visited its grounds since childhood.

David’s name will be in the roof thanks to his daughters Ruby (8) and Esme (4).

The Thorpe Hesley Primary pupils wrote in their nomination: “Our daddy is the biggest legend in Rotherham and indeed the world. 

“Our mummy Sally is disabled with fibromyalgia and ME and he does all the cooking and cleaning and works full time.

“He works so so hard to look after all his girls we would love to surprise him with this amazing prize. Our mummy and daddy love Wentworth.”

Irishman David, (38), works in engineering and the family live in Greasbrough. 

Sally (36) said: “Ruby is so proud her daddy's name will be in the house for many years to come. 

“She absolutely adores Wentworth Woodhouse. She thinks it’s a magical place and can’t wait to visit.”

q You can support the restoration of Wentworth Woodhouse by sponsoring a slate for a minimum donation of £50 as part of the Make Your Mark in History Appeal. 

For more information, go to www.wentworthwoodhouse.co.uk or call 01226 749639.