Blind veteran Paul Jacobs GM completed the Dartford half marathon on Sunday 15 September to raise awareness about Diagrama the not-for-profit fostering agency.
Paul Jacobs GM, 35 and his running guide Luc Dinh completed the 21 km Dartford half marathon course in 2 hours 24 minutes. The marathon organised by the Dartford Harriers has been a popular event for the last forty years and attracted hundreds of runners.
Veteran Paul Jacobs GM, who served with the 2nd Battalion The Rifles, was 20 when he lost his sight in an explosion in Afghanistan which claimed the lives of two of his comrades. Paul spent much of his young life in care and is delighted to have been asked to be an Ambassador for Diagrama Fostering, a not-for-profit agency thatprovides a supportive environment for “looked after” children across London, Kent, West and East Sussex and Surrey.
Diagrama Ambassador and Veteran Paul Jacobs GM said, “My first experience of family was when I was fostered by Marion in Ramsgate. It was the first time I had felt part of a family while I had been in care and she changed my life by showing me love. I became part of her family, I became her son, She is still my Mum today and always so very proud of what I have achieved. If I can encourage more people to become foster carers and dramatically change the lives of children in care, it will make me very happy.”
Kate Patel, Head of Fostering and Adoption Diagrama Foundation said, “”There is currently a national shortage of foster carers, particularly for children with additional needs, young teens and children who need to be placed with brothers and sisters. Every day 100 children enter the care system and we hope that Paul’s story about how positive experiences with a loving foster family changed his life, will encourage more people to consider a foster care role.”
As a Diagrama Ambassador Paul will share his experiences of living with a foster family and explaining to people the importance of good foster carers and how they can positively influence young lives. With 100 children entering care every day there is currently a great need for foster carers and Paul is hoping his story will encourage more people to come forward to foster.
To find out why fostering with a charity is different, visit www.diagramafostering.org.uk or call 0800 802 1910