Scotty’s is my military connection. It reminds me of my dad. Everyone at Scotty’s has gone through the same thing and understands what you’re going through. When you’re with other people from Scotty’s you don’t need to pretend or worry if you do want to talk about your mum or dad, or even if you don’t want to talk about them. Everyone just gets it.

Scotty’s is like a second family. I love everything about it. We go to the Christmas party every year and I’ve made so many friends. Meeting lots of other people who have lost their dad and knowing I’m not the only one is really comforting.

I remember staying at the Scotty’s Lodge, it was great and just what we needed. It was a lovely way of keeping dad’s memory alive. It was the first anniversary of his death and such a hard time, but we were able to enjoy time together and remember dad, which was what it was all about. I can’t thank Scotty’s enough for that experience.