Full-time mum Maria has been looking after foster children for seven years, since the youngest of her two children was 15.
Their first foster child was an eight-year-old girl who, backed by the couple, has excelled at school.
“She is an A-star student – always above average in everything she does. I’m so proud of her. We’re lucky to have her – she’s brilliant!” says Maria.
“Foster children can make you feel so proud when they do well. If I can make a difference to one child, then I feel I have done a good job.”
Maria said: “I like teenagers. They go through a difficult stage in life and I can relate well to them. It is lovely to be able to help them. It’s important to get on their level to understand them and sympathise with them.”
She confides that their home is currently overrun with girls – three “lovely” young people all aged 14 and all fostered.