The star of the John Lewis Christmas TV advert, which highlighted the needs of children living in care, has praised foster carers in Rotherham after learning about how the advert has inspired them.
Actor and writer John Paul Hurley, who grew up in Denaby Main near Rotherham, played the lead role in The Beginner, the John Lewis Christmas TV campaign which was on our screens in November and December last year.
He played the part of a big-hearted man who was learning how to skateboard for the first time. Although he struggles initially, he never gives up, despite numerous falls and after a few weeks he starts to get the hang of it. In the final scene it becomes clear why he has been learning to skateboard, as he and his partner become foster carers to Ellie, a young girl who is a keen skateboarder.
The advert inspired a number of Rotherham’s own foster carers to come together last month to learn how to skateboard, so that they could learn a new skill to share with the children they care for. Read more about the event here.
When John Paul heard about what they’d done, he messaged Rotherham Council to share his admiration for the “truly wonderful thing” that Rotherham’s foster carers do.
He said: “To attempt to offer a child a foundation where there maybe isn’t one already in place is one of the most important and significant things a human being can do. So, to all your foster carers please pass on my sincere respect. It’s a truly wonderful thing to do.”
After watching a video of the skateboard event, John Paul, whose Television credits also include Peaky Blinders and the Last Tango in Halifax, said that it was “very gratifying” to see that the advert had had such an impact.
Rachel Scott is one of the Rotherham Council foster carers who learned how to skateboard at the event. She said: “The skateboard symbolises to me the resilience that you need as a foster carer. You don’t always get it right, you just get back on and have another go and get the support.
“We’ve seen today the support and the training that we’ve got - I got on and went skateboarding for the first time, up and down ramps. That is the resilience and the support around you, like the Mockingbird hub and your social worker, supporting social worker - all your team around you to help you and give your looked after child and yourself the best experience, and get the children’s needs met."
Councillor Victoria Cusworth, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Rotherham Council added: “The John Lewis advert has started a much-needed national conversation about the need for more foster carers by shining a light on the incredible role they play in meeting the needs of looked-after children across the country. We’re grateful to John Lewis and John Paul Hurley for helping to raise awareness through such a memorable advert.
“There are local children in care right now who would benefit hugely from living with a foster family. We are looking for people from all walks of life who can share the love in their heart and room in their home with a local child on a full-time or part-time basis. In return, we provide a comprehensive support package, including training, advice and funding.”
For further information about fostering in Rotherham see the website www.fosteringrotherham.com or call 01709 357370.
Rotherham Council is hoping to increase the number of foster carers in the borough by 20 per year for the next three years.