Christine and Cody’s Blog

“I’m actually making something of myself which I wouldn’t have done if I wasn’t fostered.”

“When I was younger I used to watch Junior Bake Off, my foster mum Christine and I would cook dinner together and she has really encouraged me to get stuck in, to learn about different food cultures.

“Now I’m 17, I’m studying Level 2 Hospitality at college and I would love to be a Head Chef one day. I’m saving up to open my own restaurant by the time I’m 30.”

“I was fostered at 13. 13-year-old me wouldn’t be doing anything, I would have just stayed in my room. But now I’m actually making something of myself which I wouldn’t have done if I stayed with my parents.

“I’m making myself proud and I’m believing in myself, I can prove people wrong.”

Cody’s foster mum Christine Cotter spoke about when Cody first came to her home:

“Cody was a very shy, timid young man himself, just 13. He’s just blossomed and I’m really proud of him, he’s worked really hard and has been growing in confidence and self-esteem, doing exceptionally well at college too.

“Cody wasn’t one to try things, his hobbies were always short lived. But cooking - he’s always loved food, and so do I!

“We would cook together and I would tell him about all the top restaurants in London and chefs that I’ve worked with in my previous job at a food magazine. Cody has a real flair and a passion for cookery, especially patisserie, so when I asked Cody what he wanted to do and asked him what he loves, we both suggested Chef.”

“I’ve been fostering for 11 years now and I remember looking back on my first year with Cody, I didn’t know if I was making a difference but now I can really see it, he’s wildly different. I’m just so proud of him, he’s an absolutely lovely boy.

“For anyone thinking of becoming a foster carer, just absolutely do it. It’s tough but the training is amazing, I was like a sponge!

“You really do feel like you’ve done some good, I’ve loved every single minute of it.”