A RUNNER will undertake his fifth TCS London Marathon on Sunday, April 26, to raise funds for – and champion – Barnardo’s Foster Care Appeal.
Adam Kent, who is also a Worcestershire County Councillor for Wythall and leader of the area’s Conservative Group, wants to highlight the urgent recruitment campaign for more foster carers.
Coun Kent, 62, is hoping to set a personal best when he takes on the 26.2mile route through the streets of The Capital.
His fundraising page has been set up in support of Barnardo’s and he has set himself a target of £3,000.
The cause is one close to Coun Kent’s heart.
In his role as a county councillor, he has made the welfare of vulnerable children a cornerstone of his work, particularly championing the recruitment of local foster carers.
Coun Kent said: “Too many children across Worcestershire and the wider UK are currently being placed far from their home communities due to a critical shortage of foster carers – I am determined to help change that.
“Barnardo’s works tirelessly to ensure every child has a safe and loving home and the need for foster carers has never been greater.
“The charity has a desperate need for more foster carers and thousands of children across the country are waiting for foster placements, with many forced to move away from their schools, friends and communities simply because there are not enough carers available locally.”
Speaking ahead of the race, Coun Kent added: “This marathon means more to me than any of the previous four.
“The foster care crisis is real and it is happening right here in Worcestershire.
“Children are being uprooted from their communities because we simply don’t have enough local foster carers.
“Barnardo’s does incredible work supporting these children and families and I want to use every step of those 26.2miles to shine a light on that need.
“I’m asking anyone who has ever considered fostering to please look into it – you could change a child’s life.
“And if you can spare a few pounds to support the cause, every single donation makes a real difference.”
Funds for good causes
Through running, Coun Kent has raised thousands of pounds for charities over the years, including the Wythall Memory Cafe, Dementia UK, the Get A-Head Charitable Trust and Brain Research UK.
He said his commitment to running as a tool for community fundraising had become a defining feature of his public life and, by attempting a PB at the age of 62, also wanted to show age was no barrier to ambition on the road or in public life.
Visit: justgiving.com/page/adamkent for Coun Kent’s fundraising page and to donate to the cause.
