Mike McCarthy has worked as a journalist in newspapers, radio and television for almost 40 years as a producer, reporter and presenter for the BBC and Sky News. His assignments have included the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, terrorist attacks on the Boston marathon, the Canadian parliament in Ottawa and the Manchester Arena in the UK. His range of stories stretches from politics in Washington DC to rioting in Athens, demonstrations in Gaza, floods in the UK and sporting triumphs across Europe.

Mike lives in Yorkshire with his wife Glenys. Following the death of his son aged 31 he co-founded the Baton of Hope which is aimed at being the biggest ever suicide prevention initiative in the UK.