Inspiring commitment of York’s longest serving foster carers celebrated by the civic party

The inspiring life-changing work of some of York’s longest serving foster carers has been recognised at a special awards ceremony.

Seven fostering households were welcomed to the Mansion House and awarded certificates by the Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Martin Rowley BEM, for completing 20, 30 and 40 years of fostering.

Throughout their fostering careers, the carers have supported, cared for and provided safe, loving homes to over 600 local children and young people. Their total length of service added up to a combined total of over 200 years.

Moving tributes to the carers were provided by some of the young people they had cared for over the years.

Longest serving of the foster carers recognised at the event were Sue and Martyn Hill, who have fostered children and young people for 40 years.

Sue Hill, foster carer, said: “Fostering has brought us so much pleasure over the years, as well as some challenging moments but it has certainly enriched our lives and hopefully that of the children we have cared for. We can’t think of anything else that we would rather have done in life.”

Cllr Bob Webb, City of York Council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Foster carers provide so many of our young people in care with a safe family environment for the first time in their lives. They provide so many of the things that we take for granted: stability, boundaries, love and constancy.

“The impact that they make on the lives of the young people they foster, and on future generations, is incredibly inspiring. Their service to the city – often unseen – is truly humbling. I’d like to thank each and everyone of them for their commitment to changing the lives of local children and young people each and every day.”

City of York Council always needs more foster carers to provide stable, loving homes for local children and young people.

Find out more about fostering for York at fostering.york.gov.uk, and watch the most recent video with Cllr Bob Webb discussing why York needs more foster carers.