Missing Fathers Day cards
With more than half of the 19.4 million family households in the UK preparing to celebrate Father’s Day, we created a set of ‘Missing Father’s Day’ cards to shine a light on the thousands of men lost to poor health and the families impacted by it.
Men are dying too young
Father’s Day is a day of celebration, with 68% of people celebrating by giving cards or buying gifts.
However, it can also be a challenging time for many. Almost 2 in 5 (39%) male deaths happen prematurely, before 75 years of age, equating to over 133,000 men across the UK who died too young.
This comes despite advancements in healthcare. The UK is one of only two G7 countries where male life expectancy has decreased since 2012.
Speaking to our fathers
New research found that less than a third (29%) of people speak about health and wellbeing with their fathers, despite the positive impact they have on people's lives.
Fathers are described as being funny (33%), understanding (34%), and caring (30%).
The statistic highlights the culture of silence surrounding men's health is still prevalent. We need to have more open conversations about our health and support our fathers so that we can celebrate more Father’s Days together.
The impact
Men’s poor health can have a long-lasting and profound impact on those around them. And a man’s death can deeply impact all those who knew them. That’s why this Father’s Day, to challenge perceptions of men’s health and move towards a more open and supportive culture, we launched a set of commemorative cards based on real stories of real fathers who have gone too soon.
Illustrated by Andrew Rae, the seven cards feature a short poem and drawing based on families’ favourite memories and stories of their fathers.
The fathers
Remembering the fathers of Beth Jones, Gareth Cox, Harry Cleary, Stevie Scott, Georgie Padley, Katy Martins, and Will Castle, the cards feature illustrations of them playing the drums on the sofa, crabbing in Devon and singing concerts in cars.
In 2019, Stevie lost her dad to prostate cancer. Known for his selflessness and putting himself above others; speaking about the impact her dad had, Stevie said:
“He was such a family-orientated man, who would do anything for my sister, mum and I. The way he lived has made me value people and appreciate my family but also the importance of speaking to others about ones health and taking action on it.”
At the age of only 54, Will Castle’s dad took his own life. To Will, his dad had always seemed indestructible and didn’t make his struggles known.
“We all need to check in on those we care about, tell them you love them and make sure they are not alone. However bad things seem, suicide is never the answer and speaking about it could save their life.”
Michelle Terry, CEO of Movember, said:
“We’d like to thank all the families that contributed to the cards for their strength and courage in stepping forward and sharing their heartfelt stories. Because behind every poem and illustration is a tragic story of loss and despair that touches family, friends, and communities which is mirrored thousands of times over up and down the country.
There has long been a misconception and stigma surrounding men’s health that has held people back from seeking help when it’s needed. And at a time when men’s health is taking a worrying dip against a backdrop of economic and social unrest, urgent collective action is needed to make men’s health a national priority, and for the next government to put this issue front and centre of their plans if we are to holt the unacceptable decline.”