Source: City of Portsmouth
Three children in our care, three of our foster carers and two of their birth children completed the three races on Saturday which did dawn bright and clear.
Wearing branded running vests, they hoped to raise awareness of Foster Portsmouth and the need for more foster carers from diverse backgrounds to provide a safe home for the vulnerable children and young people in Portsmouth.
Foster carer Emma shared:
“I really enjoyed the run. Unlike Sunday, Saturday had perfect conditions, sunny but not too warm and no wind. I managed the race nice and slow and steady, and ended by finishing faster than my goal. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and supporters. Two birth children and two of our foster children gave me ‘power-up’ high fives and shouted how proud of me they are. My youngest wore the medal for the rest of the morning.”
Emma’s son and two of the children in her care also took part in the junior and mini races,
“They did so well! Our 10 year old started strong and went off fast with some of the biggest kids. He had slowed down a bit, but then when he heard and saw us on Avenue de Caen, he began to sprint and sprinted right to the end. It was his second time running the junior Great South Run and he managed to come 25th!”
“Our seven year old boys, one fostered and one birth child, did the mini run with my husband, Chris, assisting them. They set off together and both worked hard and ran the whole course. They were both so pleased and proud of themselves at the finish line. The boys loved the encouragement and high fives, and especially loved the goodie bags, finishers t-shirts and medals!”
“We sat in a play park and shared fish and chips for lunch afterwards, which was the perfect end to a busy morning!”
Unfortunately the remaining 15 foster carers and council staff in the Foster Portsmouth team were unable to take part this year in the 10-mile race on Sunday 20 October due to the weather. However, they are determined to take on the challenge again for us in 2025.
Cllr Suzy Horton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education at Portsmouth City Council, commented:
“Despite the weather cutting the weekend short, we’re really pleased that three of the children in our care could once again join our team for this year’s Great South Run’s other races. It made the day extra special to see them enjoy taking part and achieving something new.”
“With the team of eight taking on the challenge of the first three races in our running vests, we were still able to once again successfully shine a light on the pressing need for new foster homes in the city and the surrounding area.”
“I was pleased to start the 5km race on the day, seeing off these foster families and many of Portsmouth’s and other local residents about to take in the sights of our great city.”
“Everyone at Foster Portsmouth would like to express their thanks to every member of the team, whether they were able to take part in the end or not. We hope the Saturday team of eight have enjoyed a well-earned break since.”
Foster carers receive a competitive financial package, local round the clock support and ongoing quality training including through our mentoring scheme and our innovative award-winning Mockingbird programme which provides a support network of other foster carers similar to that of an extended family.
The 5km race was also completed by foster carer Tania shared that the young person in her care who also completed the junior race on behalf of Foster Portsmouth:
“She really enjoyed it – ran the whole way! I’m so proud of her!”
Foster carer Rob, who ran the 5km with daughter Laura, reported:
“Luckily the 5k was still on. The weather was actually really nice with sunshine and a little breeze to keep us cool. Lauren and I proudly wore our Foster Portsmouth vests, and plenty of people commented and shouted our names as we ran by.”
“I’m super proud of Lauren running with me after having her baby daughter Rosie just 12 weeks ago! Rosie came to support us but was asleep from start to finish!”
“We really enjoyed our run and saw quite a few familiar faces including a couple of children who have spent respite care with me.”
The council welcomes all enquiries about fostering. Portsmouth City Council’s foster carers all share the same commitment and motivation to make a positive difference to a child’s life. This could be a short or long-term arrangement for a child, young person or siblings until they’re ready to live independently or be reunited with family, support for children seeking asylum or children with a disability, supported lodgings to develop their independent living skills, a parent and baby placement, or respite care.
Foster Portsmouth needs more foster carers from diverse backgrounds to reflect the children and young people we look after in our city. Anyone aged 21 or over with a spare bedroom could foster with Foster Portsmouth regardless of their age, gender, faith, ethnicity, sexuality, marital or work status, or whether they rent or own their own home.
For more information on fostering with Foster Portsmouth, contact the Fostering SouthEast recruitment team on 0300 131 2797, visit www.foster.portsmouth.gov.uk or email info@lafosteringse.org.uk