Thirteen years ago single man Graham Peaty worried he would never have the chance to fulfil his dream of being a father.

Snap forward to the present day and the 59-year-old is now credited with “changing the life” of one 17-year-old he began fostering eight years ago.

Billy, who has now been formally adopted by Mr Peaty this month, said the foster carer had saved him from turning to crime.

He said: “If I had not been placed with Graham, I'd be sitting in a young offender institution right now.

“My mum never encouraged me to do anything, but Graham has.

“When I was younger we used to go swimming, cycling, out for dinner, even to look at the stars at night on Epsom Downs – things I'd never really done before.”

As a single man Graham is in a small minority of foster carers with the Fostering Network estimating that less than one percent of foster carers nationally are men.

Councillor Tony Brett Young said barriers of fear and prejudice prevented many from stepping forward.

But Mr Brett Young said barriers should be turned on their head as single male foster carers could offer a vital positive male role model and help prepare teenagers for adult life.

Mr Peaty, who has now gone on to foster more than 25 children and currently has a sibling group living with him, said the experience could be very rewarding.

He said: “We've got a typical father-son relationship.

“We used to do loads together, but now, like most teenagers, he wants to do his own thing.

“But I like to think that I have made a difference to his life; other people who have known him say they have seen a huge change.”

For details call 0208 770 4250 or go to www.suttonfostering.org.uk

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