We were on holiday in America a few years ago, visiting my sister. One day she wanted to hug me, typical American style. I wasn’t into hugging, and something I would have avoided at all costs. Having resisted, my sister asked how I expressed my love to my children. How did they know I loved them if I didn’t hug them? “They know I love them,” I said. “Their mam always gives them hugs and kisses”.

I was brought up in an era where parents did not hug their children – or at least my parents didn’t. The conversation I had with my sister really made me think, and I made a conscious decision that day to start hugging my kids. When I came home from the holidays, I sat with them, told them I loved them and gave each of them a hug. I promised that this was how life would be from that time on.

Since that day, we have always hugged and kissed each other. In 2011, our son Nigel was killed in a car crash. We miss him very much, but I am thankful for all the hugs and kisses he gave me in those years before he died. I would have hated to have missed out on that aspect of our lives. My advice to all parents is don’t leave it too late to put your arms around your kids and tell them you love them. You might not get the chance again.