A new film shows that fostering can help children win more than just a race.
Premiered at the Everyman cinema in Birmingham on Thursday 9 October, ‘The Run’ is the latest fostering awareness film from award-winning producers ReelTwentyFive – and it’s already making an impact. The film – which can be seen at www.fosteringforwolverhampton.com – is part of a nationwide campaign involving over 90 local authority fostering services, including the City of Wolverhampton Council.
The project is managed by CAN Digital and marks the most ambitious collaboration yet to raise awareness of fostering. The film follows Tom, an 11-year-old boy whose instinct to run reflects both his need to escape a chaotic home life and his natural talent for athletics.
Before being fostered, Tom faces significant challenges – including hunger and not having a PE kit for school – but his life begins to change when he joins a new foster family who support him to pursue his passion. ‘The Run’ culminates in Tom competing in a stadium athletics tournament, cheered on by his foster parents.
The film is a powerful and emotional portrayal of how fostering can help children like Tom find stability, encouragement, and the chance to thrive. Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “The film beautifully captures the reality for many children in care, and the life-changing impact foster parents can have.
“Here in Wolverhampton, we urgently need more foster parents to come forward. The Run is a reminder that fostering isn’t just about providing a home – it’s about helping children find their place in the world.
“We hope this film inspires people in our city to take that first step and find out more about fostering with us.” The film highlights the growing pressure on council fostering services, with more children needing safe, stable homes and increasing competition from independent fostering agencies.
Rachel Brown, Project Director, said: “This project was born out of the ongoing challenge of recruiting foster carers with limited resources.
“By joining forces – from 12 councils in 2017 to over 90 today – we’ve found a way to raise our voices together. And we’re not whispering – we’re shouting.
“This is a national emergency. Children’s futures depend on having nurturing homes.
“The Run won’t solve everything, but we hope it will make people pause, reflect, and take that first step toward fostering.”
For more information about Fostering for Wolverhampton, you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., visit www.fosteringforwolverhampton.com or follow @fosteringforwolves on social media.
