An honest look into my past and present.

Early Years Living in Shotton

As a child, I personally witnessed the extensive impact of the closure of Shotton Steel Works, not only in Shotton itself but throughout the entire constituency and beyond. I vividly recall how the children of those who lost their jobs suffered directly as a result of the shutdown.

A Journey Through Hardship: Personal Reflections on Financial Struggles

During my early adult years I recall residing in a bedsit, jobless, uncertain about when the next meal would come. Later on I experienced unemployment once more, this time as a married man with a child. One poignant memory resurfaces from those challenging periods of one Christmas Eve, where I sat anxiously by the front door, anticipating the arrival of my giro from the postman. The thought weighed heavily on me: how would I explain to my daughter if it didn't arrive, that Father Christmas couldn't visit us this year?

I have been there, sitting in the cold, even before I had the luxury of central heating, struggling to keep warm by adding wood to the fire. So, I understand first hand what it means to face the dilemma of 'Heating or Eating'. I wonder how many politicians in the House of Commons can genuinely grasp the reality of this choice for our pensioners and those on low incomes.

From the Frontlines: Reflections on Conflict and Political Realities

Notable areas of service included Northern Ireland, the Middle East and other strategic locations deemed important by the UK Government. During that time, I witnessed for myself the grim realities of conflict and the divisive nature it breeds, along with the manifestation of hatred. It was during this time that I began to question whether politicians truly understood the broader realities of the world. Each faction seemed entrenched in its own ideology, unwilling to negotiate, while the innocent public and security forces members suffered due to the incompetence of those in their "ivory towers", engaged in petty bickering or scrambling for morsels beneath the table.

Returning to Deeside: Highs and Lows

In the years following my military service, I returned to the familiar surroundings and faces of my upbringing. Married, with my own business and a circle of friends, everything seemed to be on track. Life remained stable for a while, with enjoyable moments spent strolling along the river Dee, shopping and eating out in Connah's Quay, Buckley, Queensferry and Broughton, mingling with a diverse community where some had more than others, but such is life.

I led the local Business Club during the day and engaged with those less fortunate by night. Each person I encountered had their own strengths and I never severed ties with anyone, even as I 'climbed the ladder'. Little did I know, this would prove invaluable in the future.

2006 marked a turning point. It was the year when everything fell apart. I lost my family, my home, and my business. Despite what some said about me never recovering, I proved them wrong. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, I picked myself up, dusted myself off, and began anew.

Empowerment Through Education: A Path to Helping Others

Rather than giving in to self-loathing and despair, I chose to enroll at the University of Chester, where I pursued a degree in Law. Graduating in 2010 with an LLB (Hons) Law, those three years proved to be a turning point in my life. This educational path has been instrumental in enhancing my casework skills and has fuelled my aspiration to become an MP. Sadly it was not meant to be for 2024 but it was an empowering journey. On a positive note, I won more votes than most independent candidates throughout the country and if anything, it raised awareness of my profile, who I am and what I am passionate about which will help to serve my human rights and anti-knife crime focus moving forward.

Reflections on Resilience: Alyn and Deeside in Perspective

I've since lived a relatively content life among the familiar faces of my upbringing, always mindful of the old adage: "Never forget those you once knew on the way up, because you might have to meet them again on the way back down!" I believe the points I've made in this brief history of my life illustrate clearly that above all else, I am a survivor and a fighter. I will be standing again in a future election, but for now, my focus is on the current serious matters affecting the whole of the UK - knife crime.

I will continue to fight for us and our needs, now and in the future.