I was fortunate to be raised in a loving family. We didn't have a lot, but my parents instilled in me a good work ethic and understanding of both the value of education and generosity.

Their beliefs, though, were more strongly informed by their religious faith than these instincts. My eldest sister was forced to leave home at 19 (I was 6) because she no longer believed the same things as my family - despite her otherwise clear success and commitment to the family.

When I was 15 I started reading widely - in particular philosophy and literature. It is through this that I lost my own faith - I had previously been horrified at the thought of anyone not believing in God. I am a proud atheist - and have had the privilege of being taught my a number of the leading thinkers in this area, from Richard Dawkins to Lawrence Krauss - but am still yet to articulate this to my parents. My parents don't scare me and never have - but the prospect of losing my family whom I care deeply for does.

I don't want others to have this fear.