01244 390 938
01244 390 938
To celebrate his 50th birthday, adopter Graham Jump wanted to do something a little different and decided to enter the Boston Rowing Marathon along with 50 others rowers on Sunday 20 September 2015.
Graham, who is the Head of Rowing at The Grange School in Hartford, and his wife Kirsty adopted a five year old little boy through the adoption charity and now want to ‘give something back’ by raising funds in one of rowing’s toughest challenges with rowers racing over the 52km course in quads and eights.
Graham commented: “Five years ago, my wife Kirsty and I decided to look into adopting a child. After many months of soul searching and lots and lots of paperwork, we finally got the go-ahead to adopt and in October 2012 we welcomed our 5 year little boy into our family. We cannot begin to tell you the joy that he has brought into our lives and to those close to us.
In October 2015, which amazingly is also National Adoption Week, we celebrate having him in our lives for three years and we felt it was the right time to put something back so others can be encouraged to either think about adopting and to help out children and parents who need some support. We were so impressed with Adoption Matters and have remained in contact with our social worker.
Graham completed the row, along with 46 other rowers ranging in age from 16 to 49 years.
A truly fantastic day was had with 47 rowers including sixth form pupils, staff and local club rowers joined together to take on the challenge of rowing 31 miles from Lincoln to Boston along the River Witham.
“Whilst raising funds will benefit Adoption Matters, spreading the word about adoption is just as important. It is without question the best thing Kirsty and I have ever done”! Graham said.
On 13 November 2015, the Grange School held a special school assembly where Graham spoke about his adoption journey to the whole school. Mr Jeffery, Headmaster of The Grange School, presented a cheque for the final sum raised by Graham of £6,250, completely smashing the initial target of £1,000.
Graham commented: “Putting something back into adoption was very important to Kirsty and I and we are both overwhelmed and so proud of everyone that helped me to do it, either on the water, providing the essential back up or simply donating”.
Norman Goodwin, CBE commented: “I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Graham, his team, The Grange School and everyone who donated and supported the event. We are delighted with this magnificent total raised which will assist our charity in finding more families for children and offering support to adopted children and their families”.
Pictured above: Norman receiving his cheque from Graham and Mr Jeffery at the special adoption assembly at The Grange School.
Pictured below: Graham & his team.
