Sometimes, a simple letter can travel much further than you ever imagined.

I’m incredibly happy to share that a letter I wrote to my son has been selected for Letters to Our Sons, the newly published book by award-winning actor Stephen Graham and psychology lecturer Orly Klein, published by Bloomsbury.

When I sent in my letter, I had no idea where it might lead. I simply wanted to put into words some thoughts, hopes and feelings that come with being a father and the things we don’t always say in everyday life.

Then came the wonderful email from Bloomsbury: “We are thrilled to let you know that it has been selected…”

And there it was, my little piece of fatherhood finding its way into a book alongside letters from fathers from all walks of life.

Stephen Graham needs little introduction. His extraordinary performance in Netflix’s Adolescence has brought him worldwide recognition, with the series becoming Netflix’s second most-watched English-language show worldwide. He won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his work on the series.

But for me, the most important part of this book isn’t the fame surrounding it. It is the idea behind it. Fathers talking honestly to their sons.

It’s about love and the mistakes we make, about growing up and the world we are leaving behind, and finally, about the things we wish we’d said sooner.

As a father, that really resonates with me.

I’m also delighted that the book brings together such a wonderfully diverse collection of voices. Bloomsbury describes it as an honest and moving collection exploring the often complicated, messy and joyful realities of modern fatherhood.

I’m grateful to Stephen Graham, Orly Klein and the team at Bloomsbury for giving ordinary fathers like me the opportunity to add our voices to that conversation.

And perhaps there is something rather lovely about a Manchester dad who spends much of his time making art, cartoons and observations about everyday life ending up between the pages of a book about fathers and sons.

My complimentary copy has arrived, and seeing my name and letter inside is a moment I’ll treasure.

Sometimes the things we write for our children become part of their story. And sometimes, unexpectedly, they become part of someone else’s book too.

Thank you, Stephen, Orly and Bloomsbury. 

PHOTO: The photograph here is special too because it was taken by my youngest son, PJ. No family photograph in our house ever quite goes according to plan. Our little black Cockapoo, Daffy, decided that this was the perfect moment to join in with a kiss on my cheek!