08 December 2011

MORE than 40 children are celebrating their first Christmas with new mums and dads thanks to the work of Reading based charity Parents and Children Together (PACT).

The charity, which has its roots in the Diocese of Oxford, is based in Reading and a large part of its work is as a specialist adoption and fostering agency.
It has collected the comments of adopters who are looking forward to Christmas with their new children.

“This Christmas we’ll be hanging two stockings up rather than just one. It’s been great fun looking for little treats throughout the year for both of our beautiful girls, “ said Adele and Tony, from Hertfordshire.

Debbie and Steve, from Surrey, said: “For us Christmas and New year during IVF was always a difficult time, we would always say well maybe next year will be the year. Then the Christmas before James was placed with us we knew that the following year would be special.

“Our first Christmas together was especially exciting for us all, starting new family traditions that now years later we still continue with. The joy as a family all going to visit Santa and making a whole day out of it is wonderful and then sneaking down to leave his presents during the night.”

Saira, said: “This will be our first Christmas as a complete family, mummy, daddy, Zac and Amara. We cannot express in words the joy adoption has brought into our lives. We will be the happiest family this Christmas thanks to PACT. Having Amara feels like Christmas every day.”
Jane from Buckinghamshire, said: “My first Christmas with my son was magical. Surrounded by his new family, he began to understand what Christmas was and was so thrilled about taking part in the school nativity play.

“Watching him with all his new friends was fantastic. He grinned for days as he waited excitedly for Father Christmas and when he opened his presents on Christmas morning and played games with the whole family it made me feel very proud.”

Jean Smith, PACT Assistant Director – Adoption and Fostering, comments: “For many children in care, Christmas is an unsettling time. They may be missing birth family members who they don’t see and may be fearful about an uncertain future. For many adopted children, their new families are the present they have been wishing for, as they are finally in a safe and secure home with loving parents. “

PACT is aiming to recruit over 100 adopters or long term foster carers in 2012. Anyone who would like to find out more can call 0800 731 1845 for an Information Pack, or come to one of our 2012 Adoption & Fostering Information evenings.