Colin has been with Pebbles for four years, working in our most northern home, Stormont. During his time at Pebbles, Colin has not only supported the young people at Stormont, but also countless others in our local homes. Colin doesn’t limit his care for children and young people to his work life; he is also a devoted father of four. He has two sons and a daughter who have grown up and started their own families, and a younger son, Daniel, who is eight and lives at home with him and his husband, Craig.
Colin didn’t come out as gay until he was in his 20s:
“It was a different time back then. Being gay wasn’t accepted the way it is now. Coming out later in life is strange; they say your 30s become your 20s because you never really got to experience that time in your life as who you truly are.”
Colin is deeply thankful for all the support he received, and for the communities who lifted him up. Most of all, he is grateful that his children accept him and that his previous marriage brought him his three wonderful children. Colin and his husband, Craig, recently celebrated 22 years together. On New Year’s Day 2014, they tied the knot on the first official day that same-sex couples were granted the same marriage rights as straight couples in Scotland.
Eight years ago, Colin and Craig decided to expand their family when Craig expressed his desire to raise a child. Colin had always felt he would have a fourth child. And so, their journey to find their baby began.
The adoption process was long. But little did they know, the same time they started looking for a baby was the same moment Daniel was born. They spent months searching for a child that would suit their family. Then, on Colin’s birthday, a young boy named Daniel appeared in the records. Every year, on his birthday, Colin remembers his friend Daniel, who passed away from cancer, turning his birthday into a bittersweet memorial. So, when they read this new profile, which became live on his birthday, despite there being no photo, they just knew he was the one.
It felt like fate.
They expressed strong interest and met with a family finder to initiate the match. There were many meetings with various professionals, going backwards and forwards, but things were set in motion. Daniel had been living with an older foster couple in their 70s, who adored him and provided wonderful care. In the lead-up to adoption, Colin and Craig would FaceTime Daniel every night before bed and visit whenever possible. The process was emotional and full of delays. But finally, Daniel came home, and their house has been full of love ever since. They still keep in regular contact with Daniel’s foster family, who love visiting him, and Colin and Craig make sure to keep them updated on how he’s doing.
This life-changing experience inspired Colin to make a difference in more children’s lives. He studied Caring for Children with Additional Needs through the Open University. Colin considered fostering but worried it might unsettle Daniel. Concerned that seeing other children come and go might lead him to wonder when it would be his turn.
In 2021, after extensive learning and reflection, Colin discovered Pebbles Care. He knew this role would allow him to truly make a difference. At Stormont, he’s seen many changes, welcomed big personalities, and forged bonds with people who now feel like family. He’s found he can have a meaningful impact on children and young people who are questioning their sexuality and identity:
“It’s like they seek me out. They know I’m a safe space because I’m open about who I am and my journey. I think everyone knows I’ll accept them as they are. I always try to make that clear.”
Colin finds that both his colleagues and the young people have no problem accepting him or his sexuality.
“It doesn’t really matter to them. Sometimes they joke with me in a playful way or ask questions but it’s always out of curiosity and a desire to understand.
“A lot of the young people I’ve worked with are from different backgrounds and may not have spent much time around people who identify as gay. But I do feel like they really see me for me.
“Some of the younger staff connect with the kids more quickly due to their shorter age gap, but I still feel like I have a strong place in their lives—and it never stops them from connecting with me.”