NEWS COPY
Seven in ten dads feel they are constantly taken for granted by their own children, a study has found.
Millions of put upon fathers feel their offspring only call them when they need something, assuming dad will drop everything to answer their call for help, yet are forgotten about and not even called on key dates such as Father's Day and birthdays.
And nearly half of all adults (45 per cent) admit they always ask dad to do certain things, purely because they see it as 'his job' as their father.
Fifteen per cent of adults even said having children of their own or their dad having a 'major health scare' wouldn't stop them from ever taking their old man for granted.
Father-of-two Rory McGrath and spokesman for Taken 3, which commissioned the research to mark today's Blu-ray and DVD release of the film, said: "Whilst most of us dads aren't usually called upon to save our families from peril like Liam Neeson's character Bryan Mills in the Taken films, we're often the first port of call whenever our children need help or advice on something.
"I've got a son and a daughter in their twenties who are fairly self-sufficient now, thank goodness, but in the not too distant past I have been the classic bank of dad, dad's taxi service and dad's removal van.
"I generally got a thank-you from them though. (Well brought-up you see. Thanks to their mother!)
"I think it's an absolute must that our children should be able to rely on us totally in times of need but sad to read that 7 out of ten fathers feel taken for granted unless the children are in times of trouble.
"We've never been big on anniversaries and such in our family and we play down the greeting cards side of things but I must say I am secretly over the moon to get a card on my birthday or father's day.
"I hope that this Father's Day, sons and daughters take a moment to show some gratitude for us dads. A phone call is always nice. Reverse charges is fine!"
The study of 2,000 adults and 1,000 dads found just under half of Brits feel they take their dad for granted, with another 18 per cent saying they used to but have learnt to appreciate him more as they have grown up and that we finally stop taking dad for granted when we reach 45.
And of those who take their dad for granted, while the majority think something like having children of their own or a health scare will make them appreciate their dad more, 15 per cent don't think it will ever change.
Seventy-one per cent just assume their dad will always be there when they need something doing, with 39 per cent even admitting they get annoyed at their father if they aren't able to do things as soon as they call.
Lending money is the top thing Brits take for granted dad will always do, followed by helping with DIY, providing a taxi service when needed and fixing their car.
Helping with a house move, giving money advice, helping with grandchildren and being available to help shop around for a new car also feature on the list.
Keeping the car clean and maintained and picking them up after a night out in pubs or clubs complete the top ten things dads are just expected to do.
Thirty-seven per cent have even called their poor dad out early in the morning or late at night, regardless of what else they might be doing.
It also emerged 29 per cent only really call or speak to their dad when they need something
And despite the constant assumptions they will be there to help whenever needed, dads shouldn't expect too much from their children this Father's Day with more than one in ten admitting they did nothing to celebrate the day with their dad last year.
Two thirds even admitted they have no idea when Father's Day is, instead relying on their mum, siblings or partner to remind them.
However, most dads are happy with a token gesture, with 82 per cent of dads saying they would simply like to receive a phone call from each of their children on Father's Day rather than an expensive or elaborate present.
The study also saw Taken's Bryan Mills named the best fictional dad, followed by Homer Simpson, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's Uncle Phil, George Banks from Father of the Bride and Jim's Dad in American Pie.
Twilight's Carlisle Cullen also featured in the top ten alongside EastEnders' landlord Mick Carter and Phil Dunphy from Modern Family.
Meanwhile, David Beckham was named the best celebrity dad, along with Peter Andre, Will Smith, Brad Pitt and Prince William.
Rory McGrath, spokesman for Taken 3 added: "I'm naturally disappointed the British public haven't voted me into the top 20 list of top celebrity dads. I assume I'm sitting just outside the list at number 21.
"I can't complain that my old mate David Beckham is the winner. He's got three boys and one girl to look after. And great that Romeo is an Arsenal fan!"
The survey was run to coincide with the release of Taken 3, which is available now on Blu-ray and DVD (courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment)
Top twenty best fictional dads
1. Bryan Mills - Taken
2. Homer Simpson - The Simpsons
3. Uncle Phil - The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
4. George Banks - Father of the Bride
5. Jim's Dad - American Pie
6. Carlisle Cullen - Twilight
7. Mick Carter - EastEnders
8. Daniel Hillard - Mrs Doubtfire
9. Phil Dunphy - Modern Family
10. Ned Flanders - The Simpson
11. Jack Geller - Friends
12. Chris Gardener - The Pursuit of Happyness
13. Ken Barlow - Coronation Street
14. Robert Crawley - Downton Abbey
15. Jim Royale - The Royale Family
16. Tony Soprano - The Sopranos
17. Captain Von Trapp - The Sound of Music
18. Dr Jake Houseman - Dirty Dancing
19. Jack Byrnes - Meet the Parents
20. Ross Poldark - Poldark
Top twenty celebrity dads
1. David Beckham
2. Peter Andre
3. Will Smith
4. Brad Pitt
5. Prince William
6. Jamie Oliver
7. Philip Schofield
8. Gary Barlow
9. Jamie Redknapp
10. Tom Fletcher
11. David Walliams
12. James Corden
13. Robbie Williams
14. Wayne Rooney
15. Simon Cowell
16. Marvin Hulmes
17. Vernon Kay
18. Tom Cruise
19. Kian Egan
20. Kanye West
ENDS
Taken for granted - News Copy
