Midway through 2014, Jess and I applied and were ultimately accepted to become Coram adopters. We were enrolled in an extensive and rigorous training program, designed and skillfully delivered by experienced professionals to equip us with many of the skills we would need to adjust to the challenges of parenting adopted children. A testing and emotional process, always entirely child focused, but balanced sufficiently to reassure this set of prospective parents, who at times were questioning whether we really had what it takes.

In July of the following year, Coram guided us to the light at the end of our long tunnel by uniting us with our 3 wonderful children; our very own forever family was systems go.

Now 7 years down the line, we’re doing good, with all the usual trials and tribulations you would expect with 3 spritely children running around. Coram have supported us throughout, following up on the exemplary pre-adoption experience with a deft touch post-adoption, always there to offer practical and emotional support when needed. For Jess and I, knowing that we can call on expert guidance whenever we might need it is invaluable.

Put simply, our happy little family wouldn’t exist without Coram and by running the London Marathon in October 2022, I hope to be able to raise funds to both say a heart-felt thank you and to do whatever I can to help other children and families to benefit from the amazing work that they do.

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Founded by Thomas Coram in 1739 as the Foundling Hospital, Britain’s first home for abandoned babies, Coram has remained at the forefront of children’s social care in the UK and today has become a dynamic group of charities transforming the lives of vulnerable children, young people and families through running the UK’s largest adoption agency, advocacy and creative therapy services.

Through its adoption service, Coram supports around 10% of all UK adoptions, specializing in the most complex of adoptions to create better chances for children by finding forever families for the kids who are otherwise most likely to find themselves trapped in the care system, from which a staggering number of children will find their way into prison.