GEORGE and Leo are both very young children who love interacting and playing with those around them.

But the one thing missing is that they do not live in permanent homes and are searching for their loving forever homes.

They are currently being looked after by foster carers while Adopt South are on the search to find individuals or couples who will help them to thrive and benefit from a supportive family life.

And in a bid to raise awareness for the need for adopters, employees and Hampshire Football Association will be getting their running shoes on for a ten mile course alongside the Hampshire-based adoption agency.

Marking the end of National Adoption Week, runners will be making their mark on the Great South Run and are encouraging people to consider becoming an adoptive parent for children in need of a permanent home.

Head of Adopt South, Rachel Reynolds, said: “We are hugely grateful for the support of Newsquest and the Hampshire FA in helping us to highlight the need for adopters. Currently, we are working to find homes for around 20 children, like George and Leo. Each one deserves loving parents who can care for them deeply, raising them in a nurturing and happy home. We are continually striving to place children with the right adopters for them, at the earliest opportunity, to give the children a permanent home and minimise the time that they are cared for by foster carers.

“If just one person or couple from each village, town or city in our region contacts us, even for just an initial discussion, we would already be closer to finding the best family match for our children.”

The Daily Echo’s News Editor, James Johnson, said: "The Daily Echo is proudly sponsoring Adopt South in its drive to find more parents who can adopt children and give them a forever home, as well as provide a hub for families, adopters, and adoptive children to get support. I am joining a number of Newsquest staff who will run for Adopt South at the Great South Run. This reflects our commitment to community values and helping children to have the love and stability from a parent forever. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the starting line."

Neil Cassar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hampshire FA, said: “We are proud to support Adopt South in raising awareness around the region during National Adoption week and throughout the football season, especially to all our member clubs and volunteers to help find more individuals and couples who can give a child a forever family.”

Runners and spectators can visit the Adopt South marquee in the Charity Village, Portsmouth, where they can show their support and find out more about adoption.

The Great South Run is taking place on Sunday October 20, with the event day starting at 7am.

For more information, visit www.adoptsouth.org.uk or call 0300 3000 011.