For the past 25 years, Darren and Karen have cared for foster children through Essex Fostering Service.
Darren, 51, and Karen, 55, a former nurse who worked with children with complex learning difficulties, decided to go into full-time fostering to help more vulnerable youngsters.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to know you’re making a huge difference to children’s lives,” Darren said. “Even though they’re not your children, you do grow to love them as your children and give them everything they need in a safe, non-judgemental home.
“You make them part of your family and look forward to the successful reunions. It’s very emotional to say goodbye sometimes, but those are the rewarding transformations you strive towards.”
Darren and Karen have two birth children and two adopted children, all aged nine to 24, in addition to their foster children.
“We have a large family but that doesn’t stop us going to London to see a show or to the beach,” Darren said. “You build them up gradually and you build trust gradually. Some might have witnessed domestic violence or abuse. Others may think there wasn’t a problem before. You have to be sensitive to their changing needs.”
Darren added: “There might be some very good people out there who have never thought about fostering but who have the skills to make a difference. It’s one of the best things in the world you can do. It’s made me such a better person.”