Lincolnshire couple Robert and Margaret Isdale have been honoured for their work as foster carers, having looked after more than 150 children during their fostering career.
The couple have been carers with Lincolnshire County Council since moving to the county in 1991, by which time they’d been fostering for ten years.
Now in their 80s, the couple have decided to retire from fostering, and they were honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the council’s annual fostering celebration.
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell, executive councillor for children’s services, said: “Rob and Margaret have helped so many foster children to fulfil their potential over the years, so we wanted to celebrate all they’ve achieved. I hope they will inspire others to become foster carers and make a life-changing difference to a child in need.”
At the event, awards were also given to carers who have been fostering for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years, as well as those who have made a special contribution. Those who have shown outstanding commitment were also celebrated.
Lincolnshire has a diverse fostering community. Each application to foster is considered on an individual basis and you can be a foster carer regardless of your marital status, sexuality, employment status, ethnicity, or religion. However, you do need to have a spare bedroom for a child or young person to use.