Feature'The team, Anfield and everything about LFC has helped me through my journey'

The 22-year-old from Fazakerley won the hearts and minds of the nation and the world following his inspirational appearance on Channel 4's The Piano.

Brad won the second series of the show, which finished its broadcast in early June, having showcased his incredible talent as a self-taught pianist, with his first appearance coming in an audition at Lime Street Station before going on to the grand finale at Manchester's Aviva Studios.

His story, though, is one of hope and overcoming, having been placed into care at the age of seven alongside his twin brother – an event that has helped shape the path to where he is today.

"It was a shock," Brad tells Liverpoolfc.com. "At the age of seven you don't really pre-warn kids that they're going into care, so one day a social worker just took me and my twin brother away. We were just in utter disbelief. We'd been taken away from our mum and we didn't know what to do.

"It took us a while to settle in, but I was blessed with the best foster parents in the world and they just helped me achieve everything I'm doing to this day. It's all because of them. People look at foster care and think it's so sad and it's so depressing but, honestly, it's been the best thing that's happened to me."

Brad's winning piece on the show was dedicated and named after his foster parents, Ev and Frank, for the support and opportunities they afforded him growing up, having bought his first keyboard for Christmas following months of nagging after Brad had been inspired by a music teacher at school.

"I feel like it's God-given because it just makes no sense how I can do what I can do. I can't read music and I can't write music!" he laughs.

"The piano has changed my life completely. I've always manifested everything. I've always believed that good things are going to happen.

"My end goal is to be a film composer. I want to work with some of the best film composers in the world and I want to compose huge film scores. I believe one day I will be able to achieve it. It's just hard work, dedication and manifestation."

Along with the piano, another love in his life has been Liverpool FC, which has inspired his latest piece, Home to Me.

Brad first aired the composition at Anfield after being invited to perform and attend the recent relaunch of the club's museum.

"When I used to drive past Anfield on a bad day, it just gave me that sense of home," he continued. "It's a beacon for the city. As soon as I see the stadium, this is home to me. This is Liverpool. The piece is inspired through my memories of what I know of the club.

"Prior to the piano, I wanted to be a football player. I used to play and I was quite good, not the best, but I was OK – I could kick a ball! I went through a lot of hard times in foster care but as soon as the match is on, it just makes you forget about everything. You're just so intrigued in what is going to happen in the 90 minutes.

"The team, the stadium and everything about the club has helped me massively through my journey in the care system. It's that spirit of the club and that you'll never walk alone.

"That's a massive message, especially to people in Liverpool, that you're not alone, and that's how I felt with the club. The fact that I can say I've played at Anfield is massive for me."

Brad's life has been turned upside down since news of his victory aired on television screens across the world, with messages from both near and far providing him comfort that he is on the right path to achieve his ultimate goals.

"Since the moment of the final my whole life has completely changed," he said. "I went home and it got recorded a few weeks prior to the actual final on TV, so I wasn't allowed to say anything for so long!

"So when it came out, the amount of support and messages I've had from the city and all around the world has been unbelievable. I'm in a situation I never thought I'd ever be in but I'm so grateful for each and every moment."

And Brad is now hopeful he can join the illustrious list of musical success stories associated with the city of Liverpool as he attempts to write his own chapter.

"I feel privileged to be a part of the names in Liverpool," he said. "Especially as a musician, there's so much, I wouldn't even know what to say, there's so many big people that have absolutely smashed it in our city.

"The fact that I could potentially be another name is mind-blowing and it's something that I thought I'd never be a part of. Now that I'm here, I know that I can keep pushing and pushing. I'm just proud to be a Scouser."