The Book I Wish We’d Had

Why I’m turning Duch Dad into something more than just a blog. I’ve been asked a few times recently why I’ve decided to turn my Duch Dad blogs into a book. The answer is actually quite simple, although the story behind it is anything but. My hope with my book is to create something that could offer a little help, reassurance and most importantly, hope to parents coming to terms with a life-changing diagnosis for their child, whatever that condition might be. Part memoir. Part reassurance. Part survival guide to a life you never expected to live. That’s probably the best way I can describe what I’m hoping to create. A book told through my own experiences of fatherhood, the challenges, the mistakes, the lessons learned along with the occasional bit of humour! No Parent Should Have to Feel That Alone One thing I’ve always said ever since Alfie’s diagnosis […]

Alfie’s Wishlist – Part One: How It All Began

It all started with a Facebook post… It’s February 2025, the post Christmas blues have been replaced with excitement as the Rugby League season is about to kick off. All our pre-season hopes are focused on another visit to Wembley or maybe the distant dream of a Grand Final appearance at Old Trafford! I was doom scrolling on Facebook (as we […]

618 Days Later… I’m Still Here.

Forgive me, for I have sinned. It has been 618 days since my last blog! Have you missed me? Please say yes! I’ve had so many blogs whirling around my head for you lovely lot, but I’ve just not been able to find the time to sit down and express myself. I even had a […]

The SEN Betweeners

The blog discusses the author’s experience as a father of Mila-Rose, who struggles with autism and separation anxiety. After facing challenges in mainstream schooling, including being misdiagnosed, they have opted for home education. The author advocates for better support for ‘SEN Betweeners’—children who require specialized educational environments that currently do not exist.

Wham! Bam! Thank you Lam!

Well this time last week, myself and the majority of my hometown of Leigh were gripped by Wember-Leigh fever! Leigh Leopards were preparing to face Hull KR in the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. A sleepless night followed the blog and I can only describe the feeling that evening similar to the […]

We’re going to Wember-Leigh!!

Que sera, seraWhatever will be, will beWe’re going to Wember-LeighQue sera, sera A tune we’ve become accustomed to in ‘Little owd Leigh’ since Leigh Leopards beat the reigning World Club Champions, St Helens in the Rugby League Challenge Cup Semi-Final in late July. It’s Friday 11th August, the night before what most definitely will be […]

Happy birthday to me!!

Today (Friday 17th), I reached the ripe of old age of 47! In my head, I still feel as though I’m 27. My mind is still very young but I know (and I can feel!!) that my body is getting older. We all complain about getting older and don’t want to advertise our age. I’ve […]

Rare Disease Day 2022

Hello! I’ve not written a blog in a while but as it’s Rare Disease Day, I thought I’d rehash a past blog post as I think it kind of sums up what it’s like when a rare disease comes into your life. First of all, I’d just also like to say a big thank you […]