“Born in Rutherglen, I have lived here my whole life. I’m a care-experienced adult who is now a foster carer to two amazing teenagers who stay with myself and my wife Karen on a permanent basis. I went back to college at age 21, after initially leaving school at age 16. This was a huge milestone as it set me on the path to becoming a professional actor, theatre manager and theatre producer. I won the Stage Award for Acting Excellence for Singin’ I’m No A Billy, He’s a Tim, as well as starring in films such as The Angels Share, Kajaki and TV series like Outlander. However, the most important roles I’ve undertaken are being a foster carer and a mentor with MCR Pathways as they are both more rewarding than any award or accolades I’ve ever received for football or acting.

In addition to professional setbacks, I was in care and away from my mum for a period when I was very young – a traumatic time in my childhood. My father left our family home when I was 3 years old and we didn’t see him again for almost 30 years. I now have a relationship with him and his four children who he had from another marriage. Although I had people who I didn’t necessarily see as mentors at the time, there were other dads stepping in when mine wasn’t in my life – cheering me on at football or encouraging me to step outside my comfort zone. However, I think having someone as a specific mentor just for me would’ve been a huge positive for myself growing up.

I had a lot of worries about becoming a mentor, but my life experiences gave me the confidence to take the first steps and I was well-supported throughout the process by MCR Pathways. I thought I could be a positive influence, like some of the people who supported me when I was younger. Seeing the progress that the young person I mentor is making at every meeting, and hearing how our chats and meetings have helped them is what I enjoy most about being a mentor. We have built up a mutual respect and trust which has allowed him to seek advice and guidance in making some big decisions in his personal life and education.

If you’re unsure about becoming a volunteer mentor, I’d say take the first step. Fill out the form or make the call – that’s the most difficult part. Every other step of the way you’ll have a support network through MCR Pathways who will help you on your mentoring journey.”