Fifteen foster carers have been made MBEs in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, after devoting their lives to caring for more than 1,000 children between them.
Among the group are William Foster, 82, and his wife Margaret, known as Jean, 74, who have fostered 186 children and adopted two over 34 years. And yes, that’s their real surname, which Jean calls “just a coincidence”.
“It’s the best job in the world,” she said. “I love doing what I’m doing. It’s the most rewarding job. It’s hard work but it’s very rewarding work.”
[Read More: How fostering completely changed my life]
An MBE is an order of the British Empire award, given to someone for making a positive impact in their line of work. The couple, from Burton-on-Trent, are honoured for services to fostering in Staffordshire.
“It just happened really, but we never regretted it,” said Jean. “We love the kids. The worst part of the job is letting them go.” The 74-year-old said she thought it was a hoax when she received the letter through the post about the MBE. “It was a real shock at first,” she said, adding that they are “thrilled” to receive it.
Judith Harper, 59, is also one of those recognised for services to fostering in Gawcott, Buckinghamshire. She thought her MBE was “a scam” and was going to put the letter in the bin. She, along with her husband, have been fostering for 25 years – and they have adopted two children as well. Judith has taken in many children with special needs, as well as siblings.
“It’s very rewarding,” she said. “My adopted daughter came to us and we were told she wouldn’t walk or talk. She’s now running around, chattering. It’s fantastic. The progress is difficult. It’s so rewarding when they change from a child who is unmanageable to someone who is clearly happy.”
The 59-year-old, who has five of her own children, said she is proud of all those she has fostered – and highlighted two who went on to get university degrees and good jobs. “Being nominated for the honour is a really, really special thing,” she said. “I feel I’m accepting it on behalf of the family and all of the other foster carers who work so hard.”
John Ankers, 69, from Suffolk, was “surprised” by the honour. Along with his wife, he has fostered more than 100 children over 17 years. He spoke of his pride at seeing youngsters develop into adults and go on to university.
“You do get the ones who don’t quite make it and they’re the sadder ones,” he added. “And those are the ones who you probably remember more because you try so hard to put them on the right track. We are still in contact with them very often.”
Brenda Potter, 71, and her husband John, 80, have seven of their own children and have adopted three. The couple, from Wallington, south London, estimate some 200 youngsters have been through their home during 43 years as foster carers. “It was just enormously rewarding to see those little ones moving on to their forever families and we enjoyed it so much we carried on,” said Brenda.
She said the award made her feel “very proud and humble”, adding: “It’s something we have enjoyed doing for so long that’s actually won us this award - it’s brought us so much pleasure.”
Other foster carers receiving MBEs include:
- Christine Lunn, 74, who has fostered more than 250 children, for services to fostering in Rotherham.
- Helen Rawdon, 53, who has cared for more than 150 children and young people, for services to fostering in East Riding, Yorkshire.
- Marcia and Martin Hipwell, aged 58 and 57 respectively, for services to fostering in Plymouth.
- Roger and Eileen Biddlecombe, aged 66 and 63 respectively, for services to children and families in Plymouth.
- Janette and Neil Dewsbury, aged 62 and 64 respectively, for services to fostering in Redcar and Cleveland, North Yorkshire.
- Christine Kitashima, for services to fostering in Oxfordshire.