A former Olympic medal-winning athlete visited a school in Collier Row to launch her debut children's book, as part of her continued campaigning for children in care.
Fatima Whitbread MBE - who held the world javelin record and is a former BBC Sports Personality of the Year - celebrated the launch of her new book My Bright Shining Star with an event at Clockhouse Primary School.
She delivered two assemblies to pupils across year groups on Monday (October 21), talking about her career and childhood in care, as well as reading sections from the book.
The book's illustrator, Rhian Wright, joined via Zoom to lead pupils through their own drawing exercise.
My Bright Shining Star is based on Fatima's own experience of the care system, inspired by her role model in the home Aunty Rae.
Fatima, who won Olympic medals in 1984 and 1988, told the Recorder: "She was the mum I always wanted.
"For all us children that lived there, Aunty Rae was the person that really got us and understood us.
"For kids that come into the care system the book is there to help them understand, so they are not fearful for what is going to happen to them."
Fatima spent her first 14 years in care, after being abandoned and "left to die" in a north London flat as a baby.
Sport was her "saviour" and now the retired javelin thrower is using her Olympic platform and lived experience to try and bring about change to the care system in the UK.
All the proceeds from My Bright Shining Star go to to Fatima's UK Campaign, which is working with charities, schools, stakeholders and decision makers to improve outcomes for young children in care.
Fatima said: "They're the most vulnerable children and young people in society today.
"We need to start asking ourselves what more can we do to help make that difference."
The country faces a shortage of thousands of foster carers, Fatima said, and she feels her book represents "a wonderful opportunity to encourage families to foster".
My Bright Shining Star is out tomorrow (October 24), but pupils at Clockhouse Primary School had the chance to get a signed copy from Fatima before the official release.
The school is also getting two books for their library, so that every pupil can have the chance to read it.
Headteacher Joanna Savidge told the Recorder Clockhouse Primary was "very honoured" to have Fatima share her experiences, and that the event was "wonderful".
To donate to Fatima's UK Campaign, visit her JustGiving page.
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