My family has been fostering children for the last 11 years. In that time we have looked after many amazing children, who have unfortunately not been lucky enough to grow up in a loving family home. The first 2 children we fostered as a family, arrived at our house just before Christmas and stayed for a 4 week placement. Two young siblings, who had suffered serious physical abuse from a family member. Despite this, they brought great joy to our family over the Christmas period. During their time with us, myself and the boy got along really well and I saw him like a little brother. Unfortunately they were eventually put back with their family and were in and out of care for the next 8 years. This chain of events led to the one of them taking his own life aged just 13. The news of this really impacted my family, and I felt that if I could do anything to help prevent a similar situation taking place I would. 

On average 62 children are referred to agencies for abuse or neglect every day, with half a million children suffering abuse every year in the UK alone. On The 21st of April 2024, I will be running the London marathon to contribute to the NSPCCs mission to protect children from harm and abuse.