Many celebrities adopt children, from the UK and abroad, but have you ever thought about which celebrities were adopted themselves?
Celebrity Endorsement
Adopt Wales are running a campaign ‘Adopt Wales Cymru’, fronted by former Olympic athlete Jamie Baulch and TV presenter Anna Ryder-Richardson.
Both celebrities were adopted as young children, and know the importance of a safe and loving upbringing with a caring family. And that is why they are backing this campaign to encourage future adopters across South Wales and surrounding areas.
This campaign is being led by a number of different adoption agencies across South Wales and hopes to raise awareness of adoption, the adoption process and those who are harder to place.
Anna Ryder-Richardson, best known for her role on the BBC’s Changing Rooms and her Manor House Wildlife Park near Tenby, said:
“It’s the older kids that get forgotten in this society - babies are cute, but who cares about the older kids?
“I was lucky, I got adopted at six weeks old, but if I had been six years old, life would have been very different. I could have spent my childhood in care instead of with a family in a place I called ‘home’.
“All kids need is love and a safe environment so if you can provide that then you must come forward and persevere.”
Council Backing
The Cabinet Member for Wellbeing for Swansea Council, Mark Child, has also commented on the campaign saying,
“We need to provide the best possible adoptive parents and families for local young people. Doing this allows them to thrive within a stable, loving, caring family home.
“The Adopt Wales Cymru campaign aims to raise awareness of the need for more adopters and ultimately increase the opportunities to match children waiting for adoption with potential adoptive parents and families.
“We want more people in Swansea to talk about adoption. We want to dispel the many myths about who can and can’t adopt and make sure people are aware of the incredible level of emotional and personal support they will get from our outstanding adoption team.”
“I’d encourage anyone who thinks they may like to adopt to get in touch with our adoption team to find out more. They would not be under any obligation, but may decide this is something they want to be considered for.”
Along with these celebrities, many of you are getting involved with the campaign too. Have you read our real life stories? They give great insight! If you would like to learn more about adoption or would like some adoption guidance, then check out the facts on our website!