FOSTER carers from across the borough have been recognised for their 125 years of combined service in providing caring and loving homes to some of St Helens’ most vulnerable children.

The group were welcomed into St Helens Town Hall where they were presented with certificates from the Mayor and Mayoress of St Helens, Cllr Pat Ireland and Lynn Glover before enjoying a spot of lunch.

Among those to receive recognition was Newton-le-Willows resident, Glynn Kelly who, during her 40 years as a foster carer, has looked after almost 100 children, consisting of both long-term placements and overnight stays.

Mrs Kelly, who has decided to call time on her role as a foster carer after overcoming illness recently, was influential in supporting babies onto adoption and was noted for her ability to support birth parents that have struggled to relate to professionals, even offering to supervise contact on Christmas day.

She said: “I personally loved being a foster carer. I’ve been doing it for so long it’s just part of life.

“I used to love getting phone calls saying ‘we have a baby coming out of hospital, can you help out? Or you could get a call at 1am sometimes to say ‘we’ve got a child here, can you help?’

“They would then give you brief details of the child’s background and then you integrate them with your own family. They’re not ‘the foster child’ – they’re one of the family.”

When asked what she would say to someone considering becoming a foster carer, Mrs Kelly said: “If you don’t try, you’ll never know. You might go through life thinking ‘if only.’ If you try it and you don’t like it, you’ve tried. But if you try it and you love it, you’ve gained something.”

Praising the group for their efforts, Cllr Ireland, said: “It was an honour to welcome these inspirational people into the Mayor’s Parlour to hear their stories, including the difficulties they’ve faced– but most importantly, how much pleasure they get out of providing children and young people with a stable home.

“I was absolutely overwhelmed with the love these people have for their children and I hope their work will encourage more people to come forward and become foster carers to make a real difference in our communities.”

For more information visit youcanfoster.org/st-helens