AN Ilkley couple were among dozens of the district’s longest serving foster carers to be recognised for their dedication to supporting children.
The celebration event for foster carers with five or more years’ service was held on November 30 at The Aagrah Midpoint Centre, Thornbury.
Over 150 carers and other invited guests heard from a series of speakers at the lunchtime event, which was attended by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Gerry Barker.
The long established annual event recognises long service among the district’s army of unsung foster carers who, between them, have provided 900 years of foster care to some of the district’s most vulnerable babies and children; the event is organised by Foster For Bradford, the fostering service of Bradford Children and Families Trust.
In total, 43 families were recognised for their long service as foster carers, including:
Ilkley couple Karen Myers and Gary Sutcliffe have been foster carers for 40 years, caring for 25 children during that time, including young children, siblings, teenagers and children with disabilities. They currently foster two teenagers aged 18 and 15.
Guest speakers at the event included Ruth Terry, Executive Director of Bradford Children and Families Trust and Ilkley resident Mike Davies, MBE, chairman and trustee of The Principle Trust Children’s Charity which provides respite breaks to children who are underprivileged, disadvantaged, disabled, have life-limiting conditions, or who have experienced poverty, trauma or abuse. Since launching in 2011, the Trust has raised over £1m and provided respite breaks for almost 5,000 children.
Kim Bray, Foster for Bradford Service Manager said: “Every child deserves to have a safe, secure, and stable environment to be happy, healthy and achieve their full potential in life. We are indebted to our foster carers for providing a safe haven to our most vulnerable babies and children.”
For information on Foster For Bradford visit fosteringbradford.com
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