A devastated son has spoken of his struggles after his dad died suddenly.
Dad-of-three Steven Dodd, 42, died suddenly in May 27, 2019.
Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC fan Steven, from Darlington in the North East, left behind his three children Cameron, 14 at the time, Hayden, then 11, and Rachel, then eight, and his ex-partner, Jennifer Dodd.
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Cameron, now 17, said he has "not been the same" since his dad died and said the family was "devastated".
He told The ECHO : "It was really tough for all of us (when Steven died), we were devastated.
"Since then I have not been the same and haven't really done anything other than blame myself and beat myself up about it.
"My dad was football-mad and taught me everything I know about football. He took me to my first ever match and everything.
"He's the reason I love football."
Steven supported Sunderland AFC and Liverpool Football Club and would often go to matches.
Cameron and his family were helped by ManHealth, a charity which supports men suffering with mental ill health, after Steven's death. He added their their support was "amazing".
Giving advice to other teenagers or young people who have lost a parent suddenly, Cameron said they should "keep going and stick with their family".
He continued: "You don't realise what you have got until we lose it, but don't think about what they left behind, think about the memories you had with them.
"Also don't be afraid to ask for help and speak to people or a charity."
A few months after his dad died, Cameron explained how they had a fundraiser in his honour but he couldn't bring himself to go.
Now he has organised his own fundraiser which will see him walk 153 miles from Sunderland's Stadium of Light to Anfield on behalf of ManHealth.
Cameron said: "I've now decided I want to do something to make my dad proud of me.
"I have chosen ManHealth to raise money for as they have supported my family in a different event back in 2019 and I believe they do some amazing work.
"I want to give back to them for helping so many people and so they can help other families who have been through what we have."
To donate to Cameron's fundraising page click here.
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