"I wanted to give a child a nurturing upbringing, with everything that they deserve - it's the best thing I've ever done."

Rachel, who works in a high school, is thoroughly enjoying spending time with one year old *James, who came to live with her just before Christmas last year.

The school pastoral manager, originally of Accrington, had always wanted to adopt a child, but had never taken the first step.

She said:

"I'd always wanted to be a parent, but I've never had that opportunity. When I lost both of my parents, I decided that that would be the right time for me, because I could concentrate solely on being a parent.

"I just wanted to have the chance to give a child a nurturing upbringing, with everything that they deserve."

A quick visit to an information evening for Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool set the ball rolling in December 2023.

She said:

"I went to the information evening, and completed all the training and assessment by July 24, and then it went from there with the social worker."

"I would say be open minded. It's about really absorbing all the information during the process.

"I have a background in mental health and psychology, so I fully understood what the potential issues could have been for him."

Since *James came to live with her in December last year, the pair have bonded and enjoyed days out at zoos, farms, the great outdoors and a host of other activities.

She said:

"When *James came to live with me, he was almost a year old, and it was great that he was able to come to me just before his first birthday.

"He's absolutely fantastic, and he loves my three dogs – he is absolutely obsessed with them.

"From that, I've noticed how much he loves animals in general, so during a lot of my adoption leave, we’ve involved animals, like going to the zoo, and to farms and so on.

"He loves drawing animals, being outside, getting his puddle suit on and his wellies and splashing around, and he loves cars.

"We just do all sorts of things, really – he likes to be busy, and he's just a really happy little boy and he's doing brilliantly."

The 47-year-old added: "I'm glad I've done it at this point in my life because I've got a lot of life experience and knowledge from my professional and academic background."

Rachel sends regular updates to his biological parents, too.

She added:

"I write a letter on his behalf to his birth parents, just to give them an update on how he's doing generally, and I'll go through it with him when he's a little bit older together."

Her heartwarming verdict on her own experiences comes during National Adoption Week which takes place this week (October 20-26).

According to research, 12% fewer families have registered to adopt compared to last year, leaving 2,940 children in need of adoption, with many people said to be put off due to concerns over the cost of living and the pressure to feel ‘ready.'

Meanwhile, a recent survey of adopters showed 86%* were worried they needed a ‘perfect home’ prior to adoption, but many of them adopt from rental homes, without a garden and in small homes.

Rachel advises an open mind and keeping informed throughout the adoption training process about all the support there is available.

However, she's thrilled with the joys that her little boy has brought.

She added:

"I am tired as I've just gone back to work after adoption leave, and I've had to be really ultra organised and have a routine.

"But I absolutely love it. With one thing and another, it's the best thing I've ever done."

Lancashire County Councillor Simon Evans, cabinet member for Children and Families, said:

"It's so heartwarming to hear about Rachel's experience of becoming a family with her little boy.

"If you've ever thought about adopting, there are lots of adopters who can help you along your own adoption journey. 

"If this is something that interests you, I'd really encourage you to go along to one of Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool's information evenings. There's no pressure to commit and it's a great way of getting any of your questions answered. 

"We have families of all shapes and sizes – so why not let us help you shape your future family." 

Cllr Jim Hobson, Blackpool Council's cabinet member for Children’s Social Care, said:

"It’s brilliant to hear from people who have gone through the adoption process and to find out exactly how much difference this has made to their lives and to a child's life.

"If you have any questions our team would love to hear from you. They can help you make that first step towards adoption."

*Adoption Lancashire and Blackpool help children of all ages find loving families.

Anyone who would love to adopt but has concerns about whether they can take on the costs of expanding their family is encouraged to talk to our friendly adoption team and book onto an information event.

You can call them on 0300 123 6727 or visit www.adoptionlancashireblackpool.org.uk