Fiona Dunn crowned Adopter Champion of the Year

Fiona Dunn has been crowned Adopter Champion of the Year

Fiona Dunn, from Rochdale, has been crowned Adopter Champion of the Year at the National Adoption Week Awards at the Foundling Museum in London on Tuesday (17 October).

The awards aim to celebrate good practice and exceptional achievement among those working or involved in adoption in England.

Fiona was up against three other finalists was speechless when she was announced as the winner for her work as one of the key figures with the ‘Dear Adopter’ campaign for Caritas Care.

Caritas Care is a foster and adoption charity based in Preston, who support families across the North West. The campaign aims to tackle misconceptions about the process of adoption and, ultimately, increase the number of adoptions.

Fiona, 53, spoke about how she had post-adoption depression but worked through it, and now recommends adoption as a way of building a family.

She said: “I don’t know what to say. Winning this award is another opportunity to get more visibility and recognition for adoption.

“Having three children come into your life is quite mind blowing, but it just felt like a series of little steps. Now, nine years on, it feels like I have never been without them.

“To see them grow, develop and learn makes us feel so fortunate. It makes you think about those children who don’t find forever families and long-term stability.”

Fiona believes in spreading the word about adoption. She has not only written a ‘Dear Adopter’ letter, she has also spoken at training events, been videoed, and has been interviewed on the radio by Jeremy Vine.

Patricia Hurst, Adoption Practice Manager at Caritas Care, said: “Fiona has been searingly honest about the challenges she has faced, but what comes across most is her belief in adoption as a means of securing children’s futures and the joy she feels in parenting.

“Fiona’s openness has given a very clear picture of the reality of adoption and the sense that nothing is held back. Any potential adopter hearing her is well prepared and reassured that despite the many challenges it is worth it. Well done Fiona.”