In August, I will be setting off on what will be the biggest physical and emotional challenge of my life – walking 150 from Fir Park, the home of Motherwell FC, all the way to the Stadium of Light, home of Sunderland AFC.

This journey is about much more than football.

I have chosen these two stadiums because they represent something incredibly special to me. They are the two clubs my young son, Paddy, will be brought up supporting. Paddy is three years old and he is, without question, my world.

Like many separated parents, my journey through parenthood has not been straightforward. Following separation, I found myself in a situation no loving parent ever wants to experience. Through no choice of my own, I was prevented from seeing my son and was completely cut off from him for over a month.

That month was the darkest period of my life.

The feeling of not knowing when you will see your child again, missing the everyday moments that most parents take for granted, and being unable to hug, comfort or simply spend time with the person who means everything to you is something I would not wish upon anyone.

Thankfully, through legal proceedings, I have recently begun to regain some access to Paddy. While I am grateful for every minute I get to spend with him, the fight continues. I remain committed to overcoming every obstacle placed in front of me because I firmly believe that children deserve meaningful relationships with both of their parents whenever it is safe and possible for that to happen.

This belief is the reason I am raising money for Shared Parenting Scotland.

Shared Parenting Scotland works tirelessly to support children and families, promoting the importance of both parents remaining actively involved in a child’s life following separation. Their work helps families navigate incredibly difficult circumstances while keeping the needs of children at the centre of everything they do.

The reality is that countless mothers, fathers and, most importantly, children are affected every year by family separation. Too often, children lose valuable time with a loving parent. Time that can never be replaced. Time that could have been spent making memories, building relationships and creating the foundations for a happy and healthy future.

Every child deserves to know they are loved by both parents.

Every child deserves the opportunity to build strong relationships with both sides of their family.

And every loving parent deserves the chance to be present in their child’s life.

If you are able to support my challenge, no matter how small the donation, it would mean the world to me. Every pound raised will help Shared Parenting Scotland continue their important work supporting children and families across Scotland.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Thank you for your support.

And thank you for helping me turn a personal challenge into something that can make a difference for others.