North-West children’s charity Adoption Matters raised £5,500 at its Lancashire Lunch at Browsholme Hall in Clitheroe.

The event on October 17 was held to raise awareness of adoption and fostering whilst raising vital funds for the organisation.

A total of 125 guests attended the event, which started and ended with a tour of the historic Browsholme Hall, home of Adoption Matters’ patron Amanda Parker the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire.

After a three-course lunch, special guest Timpson Group founder, adopter and foster parent Sir John Timpson talked about his unique personal insight into adoption and fostering.

Sir John talked with passion about his and his late wife Alex’s adoption and fostering journeys - the couple had three birth children, adopted two sons and were foster carers to 90 children over 31 years.

The lunch was held at the home of Lord Lieutenant for Lancashire Amanda ParkerThe lunch was held at the home of Lord Lieutenant for Lancashire Amanda Parker

Sir John launched the Alex Timpson Trust in October 2017 in tribute to his wife’s dedication to championing the rights of looked-after children and those in the care system.

Adoption Matters’ board of trustees chair, Carolyn Johnson, said: “As one of the largest voluntary adoption agencies in the country, Adoption Matters is truly proud of our work with adoptive families and adopted adults; something we have been doing for over 76 years – our very first office was opened here in Lancashire in Blackburn.

"Never an organisation to not take on a challenge, this year we expanded the Adoption Matters’ ‘family’ with the launch of our independent, not-for-profit fostering service, Foster Care Matters.

"We were so honoured that Sir John joined us at our event and that Amanda and Robert hosted us in their spectacular home.

"I want to thank everyone who attended for supporting our charity. All funds raised today will help us reach many more adoptive and foster families and support them on their own unique adopter and foster family journeys now and in the future."

Adoption Matters has placed more than 5,500 children with adoptive families and supported many thousands more.