Widower builds adoption legacy for late wife

Birmingham-based adoption agency Adoption Focus has helped a widowed West Midlands man to build an adoption legacy for his late wife.

Harjinder Kalsi tragically lost his wife Geeta to Covid in January at the age of just 45, as they were on the verge of becoming parents through adoption.

In Geeta 's memory, Harjinder is now leading a campaign to raise money to help others going through the adoption process and to encourage more people to consider adoption.

Harjinder said: “When Geeta died I felt like my dreams and my future died with her. Our life we were planning together as parents was over. ”

“It is still incredibly raw, but what is keeping me going now is to do something positive in Geeta 's memory - something I know she would want me to do. I 'm raising money for an adoption charity and I also want to get the message out there to encourage people to adopt - to tell them that the process is not as scary and daunting as they might think. ”

"Too often people think of adoption as a last resort, but I want people to think of it as a first resort. If you want to be a parent, you can fulfil that dream through adoption and at the same time give a life full of a love to a child who has not had the best start in life. ”

Harjinder and Geeta had been approved for adoption by Adoption@Heart who following Geeta 's death, put Harjinder in touch with Adoption Focus, which won Solihull Chamber of Commerce Charity of the Year award at last year's awards.

The memorial campaign has raised more than £5,000 to date.

Adoption Focus chief executive Anna Sharkey said: “It is a privilege for Adoption Focus to be working with Harjinder in his amazing efforts to honour the memory of his wife Geeta in such a positive way.

"Working closely with our Regional Adoption Agency colleagues at Adoption@Heart and with Harjinder 's full involvement, we have been promoting the need for more people, particularly from Asian, African and Caribbean backgrounds to come forward as adopters.

"There are children currently waiting for new families to adopt them, and we are working with Harjinder to get that important message out there - children need new families, and you could be the family they need. ”

Harjinder and Anna recently joined Jas Rohel on Solihull Radio to talk about the campaign and the programme is currently available to listen to on demand.

Jas said: “Thousands of children and youth across the country need permanent families. After hearing Harjinders story I really wanted to do a show around Adoption and talk about the positive impact Adoption can have on families and our community.

"Harjinder is working with Solihull Chamber's annual award winner Adoption Focus to help raise awareness on adoption and is raising vital funds.

"If you, or anyone you know is interested in adoption, please contact Adoption Focus or Adoption@Heart."

To donate to Harjinder 's fundraising appeal, go to: adoptionfocus.beaconforms.com/form/4fa25a1a

Pictured: Harjinder with his late wife Geeta