Foster care heroes receive civic accolade

Foster carers who have looked after children for more than 15 years are to be formally thanked by the Mayor of Bury.

They have been invited to a town hall reception on 31 October to receive certificates from Councillor Joan Grimshaw.

There are 24 foster carers with 15 years continuous service caring for children in Bury. The longest serving is Dorothy Shenton, who recently won Carer of the Year at the Bury Woman of the Year awards.

Dorothy started fostering 32 years ago, and is now known affectionately as Auntie Dot to nearly 200 children and their families. She also adopted one of the children she fostered.

Dot said: “Fostering is such a rewarding experience, welcoming all the children into my home and my family.

“One reason I’ve been able to keep fostering into my seventies is the excellent support I have received from the fostering team at Bury – they are always at the end of the phone or able to pop round if there are any problems.”

Councillor Mike Connolly, leader of the council, said: “This reception is a fantastic opportunity to thank people who are unsung heroes and have provided a vital service to countless Bury children. Congratulations to everyone.”

If you think that you could be a foster carer, find out more by contacting the council on 0161 253 6868 or at http://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=5310

ENDS

Press release issued: 29 October 2012.

Picture attached: Dorothy Shenton, who has fostered for 32 years.