6/11/2009 - Hairy biker kick-starts adoption campaign - media opportunity

A campaign to find homes for children and young people waiting for adoption in Cumbria has gone into overdrive -- thanks to hairy bikers Dave Myers and Si King.

The TV celebrity chefs have added their support to the project, run by Cumbria County Council and part of National Adoption Week.

Media are invited to a photo opportunity at 1100 on Thursday 12th November 2009 at Barrow Park, Abbey Road, Barrow (see directions below) where Si and Barrow born Dave, who lives on Roa Island, will plant an oak tree to highlight the need for potential adopters to come forward.

In Cumbria, twenty one children are currently on the adoption waiting list, thirty five are about to be placed and thirty nine have places.

Joining Dave and Si will be councillor Anne Burns, who represents the Hindpool ward, and is cabinet member responsible for children’s social care, along with members of the county council’s adoption team. All will be available for interview.

Hairy biker Dave said:

"I am delighted to lend my support to the adoption campaign in Cumbria. The adoption team do a great job and hopefully this can help publicise the need for potential adopters to come forward and change the lives of Cumbrian children in need of a placement."

Helen Smith, head of service, child and family support, Cumbria County Council, said:

"We know that there are people out there who would make fantastic adopters and we really want to give a big push to our efforts to find homes for our children."

If you think you may be interested in adopting or would like more information, please contact the county council's recruitment team at your local Children's Services office: 

Carlisle (01228) 227180

Workington (01900) 706356

Barrow (01229) 407846

Kendal (01539) 713312 

Or visit the website at http://www.cumbria.gov.uk/childrensservices/fosteringandadoption/adoption.asp 

ENDS

Media enquiries to Media Officer Paul Bell on 01228 226337