With a combined 63 years of foster caring, Angie, Jean, and the husband-and-wife duo Tracy and John were invited to the town hall to celebrate their dedication and commitment to fostering children in North East Lincolnshire.
Staff, including social workers who have worked with the foster carers for many years, came together to show their appreciation and give thanks at a brunch held at the town hall. Poignant stories of countless children who found loving and caring homes with these foster carers were shared during the celebrations. It was also an opportunity for North East Lincolnshire Council’s Children’s Services staff to listen to the experiences of the foster carers, some of whom have opened their homes and hearts for a quarter of a century.
As tea and sweet treats were enjoyed, the foster carers shared how their lives were enriched by all the children they cared for. John, who has been a foster carer for 15 years alongside his wife Tracy, keeps in touch with many of the children they have fostered. John said:
“Seeing the kids and where they are now is the best part for me. They’re part of your family even when they have left your home. They are living the life they should be living and seeing what they are achieving and that they want to continue to share their achievements with us is lovely.”
Tracy added:
“If we hadn’t fostered, we wouldn’t be auntie and uncle, mum, or godparents. Our family has grown so much. We have a photo of all the children we have fostered in our house; they are still part of our family.”
Angie, who fostered children of all ages but mainly teenagers, said:
“I would always ask them what they liked to eat, and we would cook together. My favourite thing to do with each child was to teach them baking and other life skills, which I always thought was really important.”
On retiring after 25 years of fostering, Angie said:
“I’ve met loads of friends through being a foster carer. I might be retiring, but I’m not going anywhere!”
Councillor Margaret Cracknell, Portfolio Holder for Children and Education, said:
“Honouring the life-changing efforts of our foster carers as they retire is the very least we can do.”
“These remarkable individuals have opened their hearts and homes to children in need, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to our community’s young people. Their selflessness and dedication have profoundly impacted countless lives.”
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Angie, Tracy, John, and Jean for sharing their inspiring stories and experiences today, and to all our foster carers who have transformed the lives of so many children over the years.”
Get in touch now to help change a child’s life and join the North East Lincolnshire Fostering Family. To find out more about becoming a foster carer, visit www.nelincs.gov.uk/fostering
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