For the past six years Vicky and Jeremy, who are in their fifties, have fostered eight children in the last six years, and that’s on top of having five children of their own, aged from 13 to 23.
“We had thought about fostering for a while and considered it more seriously after holidays with friends and their foster children,” said Vicky, who gave up a career in sales to become a full-time foster carer.
“Opening our home to vulnerable children and watching them change over time is great. You do love them. Whilst they’re here, they’re your children.
“We take them to London, Centre Parcs, the Norfolk Broads. These are new experiences and they learn so much.
“Some have stayed for 18 months and it is emotional to say goodbye for us all when they’re reunited or adopted. But we almost always keep in touch. They send photos of their own children, we talk on FaceTime, and we meet up.
“One child ran up to his new mum rather than me, which was hard, but I knew they were settled and happy, and that we as a family had played an important role.
“People are struggling to become foster carers due to modern commitments, but we do need more, and I urge everyone to consider it. I never thought I could, but with all the support and training, you do gradually learn. We’ve just loved the experience.”