James is a super dad

James Cook and his son Dexter

A CARING Oldham father who raised thousands of pounds in memory of his son has been named a “Dad of the Year” at a new awards event.

James Cook from Moorside was chosen as a winner at The Dads awards for creating charity “Dexter’s Light”.

Dexter died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome just after his first birthday in May 2014.

James (37) was nominated by his wife Gemma Littley for being a fantastic dad to Dexter and the couple’s new daughter Tabitha, as well as his fundraising efforts.

Gemma said: “We miss our boy more than anyone could ever imagine. James does what he can to make sure his little boy is still being looked after.”

This includes organising a team to clear up the formerly overgrown graveyard in which Dexter is buried.

“James is also the driving force behind Dexter’s Light,” said Gemma. This evolved from a Facebook page into a fundraising group to provide sensory equipment in Dexter’s memory.

“We don’t get to see Dexter any more, but it doesn’t stop us loving him or being proud of him,” added Gemma “I really don’t think Dexter could’ve had a better Dad.”

James beat dozens of other dads to take third place in the awards, staged at the Baby Show at the NEC in Birmingham.