Solo father named Top Dad

Frank Bourke with, from left, Andrew, Kayleigh, Cheryl and Lindsey

Frank Bourke, a steel worker from Northamptonshire, has won the Top Dad Award for being both father and mother to his four children.

The 42-year-old widower beat more than 600 competitors to win the award.

He was nominated by his 11-year-old daughter Kayleigh for bringing up his children alone since his wife died more than four years ago.

He goes to work the day shift while we go to school, and he's there to pick us up straight after

Kayleigh Bourke, 11

The children's mother, Doreen, was just 34 when she collapsed and died of a brain haemorrhage.

Kayleigh said in her entry letter: "He has been coping really well with four children and no wife.

"He goes to work the day shift while we go to school, and he's there to pick us up straight after.

"My dad copes all on his own and nobody helps him. He goes shopping every Thursday and does his housework every day.

"I'm very proud I've got a perfect dad and we all love him."

Mr Bourke also has a son Andrew, 14, and daughters Cheryl, nine, and Lindsey, seven.

'Lovely woman'

Mr Bourke said his wife had collapsed unexpectedly.

"We were out celebrating my birthday in a local club when she said she had a headache and felt dizzy.

The children have made losing her easier

Frank Bourke

"Then without warning she collapsed and was rushed to hospital.

"Brain scans revealed that she had had a haemorrhage and the doctors said there was nothing they could do.

"We just had to wait four days until she died. She was a lovely woman.

"The children have made losing her easier. I just bring them up my way. I don't know if it's wrong or right but it seems to be working out OK.

"They have their moments but generally they are good kids."

John Mott, chairman of the Guild of British Tie Makers, which runs the competition, said: "It must be particularly difficult to bring up four children, run the home and hold down a job at the steel works with no partner or anyone to help.

"Frank deserves the award and the applause of his obviously devoted children."