A RALLYING call has been made to the people of Cumbria encouraging them to consider adopting a child as more than 40 children wait to be united with a family.

As part of National Adoption Week which starts today, Cumbria County Council want Cumbrians to offer up their rooms to potentially more than one child.

There are 43 children waiting to be adopted across the county, with almost half of these being part of a bigger sibling group.

Councillor Anne Burns, Cumbria County Council cabinet member for children’s services, said: "Adopting a child is a big decision, adopting brothers and sisters together can make it seem even bigger, but the county council provides both financial and practical support to adopters and the children.

"My message to anyone thinking about adopting is don’t let the practicalities of adopting a sibling group stop you from taking the next step, because we will be with you every step of the way.

“All you need to think about is; could you provide love, time and commitment to a child? Do you have the energy and health to provide a long-term family? If the answer is yes, then pick up the phone or come along to an information event and be their someone.”

Rachel and her husband adopted with Cumbria County Council in 2014.

She said: "If you’re considering adoption, do it! Honestly, emotionally it was the hardest thing we’ve ever done, but the process was straightforward and we were supported throughout.

"The council did look into our own family histories, they spoke with our friends and family and clearly explained the challenges of adopting and some of the difficulties we could expect to face.

"“We enquired around Christmas and, by the following October, we had been matched with a beautiful little boy. We wouldn’t change anything, even being woken up at 3am being called Mummy is amazing.”