Adoption worker to run London Marathon for Adoption charity

A CWC staff member whose whole life has been touched by adoption is donning his trainers to run the London Marathon for national adoption charity, CoramBAAF.

Dijon Foster-Brooker, Professional Adoption Advisor for Children’s Service, decided to combine a once-in-a-lifetime sporting challenge with his passion for adoption.

We spoke to Dijon to find out more:

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What made you decide to run the London Marathon?

“I have never been very sporty, and I never thought I would have considered myself a runner! As with most people during the lockdown, it took its toll. For me, I felt myself starting to feel low and I was putting on weight. It came to a point where I felt I needed to do something, so I started going for short jogs around my village. The jogs gradually got longer and longer, until I eventually ran 18 miles!

“I used to do regular charity events before I got married for Cancer Research, heart charities and hospices. So, I thought I would start with the Manchester Great Run, which was amazing and inspired me to try a once in a lifetime challenge that led me to the London Marathon.

What made you choose CoramBAAF as the charity you are fundraising for?

“I love what I do, and I am so privileged to work with such inspirational children, adopters, and social workers. I wanted to give something back and run for an adoption affiliated organisation. CoramBAAF do such amazing work that they seemed like the natural choice for me.”

Why is adoption so close to your heart?

“I have tons of personal experience in adoption. My father was adopted and talks so lovingly about his adoptive parents growing up in his adopted family.

“We have lots of adopted children within our network and my partner and I later went on to adopt two beautiful boys which transformed our lives.

“After qualifying and working in safeguarding initially, my personal experiences gave me a whole new perspective and new-found interest in adoption work, leading me to pursue a career in it.

What would you say to someone considering adopting a child?

“Adoption was one of the hardest but most rewarding things we have ever done. There have been many challenges over the years and there will likely be many more to come, but my husband and I would not change a thing. These boys are my world and if you think your future could one day involve children, then definitely look into it and speak to someone about your thoughts. Adopters come from all walks of life.”

Tell us more about the charity you are running for and how we can help

“CoramBAAF do incredible work for adoption and fostering, supporting professionals, adults and children. I am trying to do my bit by raising money to support them and if you can spare it, I would love for you to help me reach my goal.”

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To support Dijon and CoramBAAF, visit his fundraising page.

CoramBAAF is an independent membership organisation for professionals, foster carers and adopters, and anyone else working with or looking after children in or from care, or adults who have been affected by adoption. It is a successor organisation to the British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF).

Its mission is improving the life chances for children and young people in care, by promoting the need for timely, high quality placements, and by informing, educating and supporting those who work with and care for them, and working to ensure that children and young people who cannot live with their birth families receive the support they need throughout their lives.

To find out more about adopting a child in the Black Country, visit the Adoption@Heart website for more information. Adoption@Heart is the regional adoption agency for the Black Country and surrounding areas and is a member of CoramBAAF.

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