Most days, a little blackbird can be seen hopping around the back garden, waiting expectantly for a few breadcrumbs or a dip in his pot of water.

This little bird symbolises so many things – loss, pain, hope, joy. It represents a special person who, on 12 November 2018, left this family forever. 18 years of togetherness gone in an instant, with a broken wife and two young children left behind. Evie was nine years old, and Ada was just two at the time.

Steve was kind, caring, funny, friendly, charming and cheeky; silly, and a little bit awkward underneath. At work, he was described as an inspirational and motivational leader, respected and admired by everyone he knew.

Steve, you will be loved and remembered forever xxx

The book, Daddy Blackbird, has been written to honour Steve’s memory, and to tell the story of his loss: http://www.daddyblackbird.com.