John Lewis advert star praises Rotherham’s skateboarding foster care campaign

A STAR of John Lewis’ Christmas advert praised Rotherham Council for rolling with the skateboarding theme to thank foster carers.

John Paul Hurley, who grew up in Denaby Main, played the lead role in 2022’s The Beginner — learning to skate ahead of the arrival of foster daughter Ellie.

The festive campaign inspired RMBC to arrange its own skateboarding session to thank its foster carers in January.

John Paul said this was a “truly wonderful” gesture, adding: “To attempt to offer a child a foundation where there maybe isn’t one already in place is one of the most important and significant things a human being can do.

“So, to all your foster carers please pass on my sincere respect. It’s a truly wonderful thing to do.”

Foster carer Rachel Scott, pictured below, attended the skate session at Eastwood.

She said: “The skateboard symbolises to me the resilience that you need as a foster carer. You don’t always get it right, you just get back on and have another go and get the support.”