He used his experience to co-develop a Work Experience and Development programme with the charity United Response, helping people with special needs or who are neurodivergent gain valuable skills and employment opportunities.

While working with the charity, Patrick saw first-hand how the right support can transform lives. This deeply resonated with him and changed his perspective on fostering.

Patrick and Sebastian always dreamed of having children, initially thinking they would adopt. However, Patrick's work highlighted the unique challenges faced by children in the care system, who always have always experienced some level of trauma. He realised that supporting these children would require the same kind of personalised, compassionate care he had seen succeed at the charity. This understanding made fostering the clear choice for their family.

Patrick knew that children who have been through trauma need flexible and adaptable care, along with caregivers who can respond to their changing needs. His professional and personal experiences have prepared him well for this important role.

Friends and colleagues describe Patrick as calm, thoughtful, patient, and intelligent. These qualities make him a steady presence both at work and at home, helping him stay objective and level-headed even in emotional situations.

Being diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 40 gave Patrick personal insight into the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. This has deepened his understanding of how misunderstandings can occur between neurodivergent and neurotypical perspectives. He recognises that a child's difficult behaviours—like acting out, tantrums, or seeming lazy—often hide deeper struggles and need empathy and understanding.

Patrick has developed his parenting skills by blending therapeutic parenting techniques with practical, traditional methods. He also draws on management strategies from high-pressure work environments and his experience supporting people with special needs or neurodiversity. This unique mix of skills helps Patrick navigate the complexities of fostering with resilience, adaptability, and compassion.