Wiltshire runners have set themselves a 10,000km target before October to raise awareness for foster care.

The runners, who are part of a Wiltshire Council campaign to try to encourage more foster care, will add up all the kilometres they run and aim to reach 10,000km before the clocks go back on October 29.

They will all be wearing outfits which promote fostering with Wiltshire Council and how to get in touch to find out more about the rates, training and support that is provided.

So far 70 runners have signed up to the running programme which is called “Move to Foster”.

The council say they need 30 carers this coming year to ensure children in care can find a home in Wiltshire.

To start the campaign off a number of those taking part joined the 5k, 10k and fun run at the Calne Clock Challenge on March 26.

There was a real mixture of people taking part including those prepping for the London Marathon and others mastering the Couch to 5k programme.

Before the event, cabinet member for children’s services Laura Mayes said: “I’m looking forward to helping launch this challenge. We have approximately 70 people signed up and more joining us. Move To Foster is about running, walking, exercising and going to the gym – all the while aiming for that 10,000 kilometre target.

“More importantly, people taking part will be wearing information about fostering with Wiltshire Council and how you can get in touch.
“We want people to contact us to find out more about fostering.

We provide good fostering rates and excellent training and support to help you succeed as a foster carer.

This year we want to encourage 30 more foster carers to join us and provide a warm, safe home for children in our care.  We’d love people to contact us to find out more.”

Wiltshire Council held a cuppa and questions evening on March 30 to help people find out more.

The council is increasing its fostering rates again from April - so they will be from £380 to £710 a week depending on people’s skills and experience.

Foster carers need to be over 21 years of age, have a spare bedroom, time to care for a child and a willingness to care and seek to understand young people who have experienced trauma and loss.