Martin is 36 and has lived in Batchley for six years. He is Kerrie’s partner and carer, and they live together, along with his stepdaughter Louise. He has a daughter, Anna from his previous relationship with whom he has a fantastic relationship and is a step farther for Kerrie’s other two children, Lita and Markus.

Martin is passionate about ensuring people’s access to good quality and affordable local sporting facilities and has been a volunteer committee member of Redditch and South Warwickshire Combination Sunday League, as well as the co-secretary of a local Sunday League team. Talking of the challenges people face in accessing affordable sporting facilities Martin said:

‘It is shocking just how much it costs to access sporting facilities across Redditch. For example the cost of running football teams is getting so expensive now that clubs are being forced to fold. The cost of going to a gym is prohibitive for lots of people right now with the cost of living squeezing us all hard. I want to see more outdoor gym equipment around Redditch so that those who want to keep themselves fit and healthy have access to equipment to do it.’

He is also keen to see improvements in public safety across Batchley and Brockhill: ‘There are certain roads in Batchley and Brockhill that are being used as a racetrack by drivers and it is just a matter of time before someone gets hurt. Add into that the issues of parking across the ward and its clear the roads are not as safe as the should be. As your councilor this is something I would work hard to improve from day one.’

The issue of equality is something that is extremely important to Martin. ‘I have a transgender stepson and I have seen the challenges he has faced in being accepted for who he is. I think that discrimination is a terrible thing, and I will always advocate for a more accepting and inclusive society. The damage it does to the people on the receiving end of it is horrific, especially in terms of their mental health and sense of worth.’

Martin also wants champion greater mental health support for those who need it:

‘I lost my mom to cancer at the age of 19 and I didn’t have the support to deal with the loss to the point that a few years later I had a mental breakdown. I’m on the other side of it now but I still remember how lonely it felt. I want to make sure those who need it can get help in a timely manner’.

In his spare time, Martin enjoys playing darts, reading and visiting new places and volunteers at Batchley Support Group when needed.