A man who is paralysed from the chest down following a car accident has revealed plans for his first Father’s Day.
George Dowell and his girlfriend, Jessikah Lopez, first met after she spotted him on Channel 4’s Undateables.
The pair, both 31, often share their inter-abled relationship online to show other people that those with disabilities can still enjoy romance.
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Previously, the Worthing Football Club owner made headlines after his team were due to play a historic FA cup match on the day his first child was due to be born.
Now, his bundle of joy is here and with Father’s Day on the 16 June 2024, the family-of-three are looking forward to celebrating the special day together.
“Bonnie has changed my life for the better,” George, from West Sussex, told Need To Know.
“We’re going for a lovely roast dinner together – Bonnie’s treat – on Father’s Day.
“Then back home to watch England play in the Euros.
“I’ve even bought her a few different England kits to wear.”
George used to be able-bodied and an avid football player, until the age of 17.
He was involved in a paralysing car crash with his friends after training, leaving him unable to move from the chest down.
But after meeting Jessikah, who is now his full-time carer, and going on to have Bonnie in November 2023, the family have moved from strength-to-strength.
He said: “Becoming a parent was something I didn’t know would be possible, but here I am, a dad and I love it.
“It’s great to get out and about as a family, so we can make memories together and show her new things.”
And Jessikah is left constantly in awe with how much of a good dad George is.
She said: “I absolutely love watching them together.
“The way she smiles at him is adorable.
“You can see how much they love each other, he’s a fantastic dad.
“They sit in bed playing with her toys or watching TV having snuggles.
“George also feeds her using a special hand splint he has and wears her in a baby sling, so he can move around in his wheelchair with Bonnie on him securely.
“He’s amazing and lights up whenever he’s around her and does everything I ask him to help me with looking after her.
“He is very patient and calm.
“Always wants to be involved as much as he possibly can.”
The couple aim to share their daily life and tips to help others who are disabled, especially parents, on Instagram, where they have 10,000 followers.
He also hopes to teach his daughter valuable lessons using his experience.
George added: “I hope she grows up to be patient, understanding and kind.
“[I want her] to have empathy for people in different situations and just be an all-round good, happy person.
“We cannot imagine life without her and are so happy to be a family-of-three.”
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