Annette and Stephen have two teenage daughters of their own, but it was when Annette left her role as a primary school teaching assistant more than three years ago that they started fostering full-time.
She said: “It was just something we wanted to do for years. So many children don’t have a family, which isn’t fair. They all have a right to a home, warmth and attention.”
In addition to their teenage daughters the couple have opened their home to three foster children in total – two on a temporary basis and currently a 12-year-old.
“It was so strange meeting him – we all fell in love straightaway,” said Annette, 46. “That was it. We don’t think of him as our foster child. He’s part of us now.
“We take him swimming and out to meals. We took him to a warship and submarine in London; we saw the latest Avengers film at the cinema; we’ve been to Thorpe Park.
“He got his first passport and aeroplane adventure on holiday with us. He was so amazed to be up in the clouds. He hadn’t experienced any of these things previously.
“Now he’s transformed and is so much more confident. He had his first sleepover last weekend, which wowed us all. His change has been amazing. It’s been incredibly heart-warming to see.
“So, I would encourage everyone to consider fostering. Just go for it. We were so nervous and terrified. What might the girls think? Will they like us? How will it change our lifestyle? But it’s been absolutely amazing. We’re loving every minute.”