The dedication and support shown by foster carers in Hillingdon were recently celebrated at the council’s Foster Carer Appreciation Event. This event took place at the Battle of Britain Centre in Uxbridge, where carers with a combined total of 120 years of experience were honoured.
Amanda and Peter Botterill, as well as Lynne and Michael Moore, were commended for their remarkable 25 years of service each. Satinder and Jagmohan Gill were also recognised for their 15 years of fostering, while Bernadette and Christopher Hills-Scott, Rachel and Andy Langford, and Garry and Elise Simkins received awards for 10 years of service.
Additionally, Kerriann and Carl Follett, Mary and Kerry Hennessy, Vanda Hewett, Jeanette Isaacs, and Julie Reynolds were all acknowledged for their five years of dedication to fostering. The awards were presented by Cllr Heena Makwana and Emma Kavanagh, in recognition of their outstanding commitment.
Satinder and Jagmohan, who have fostered 37 children in Uxbridge, expressed their joy at seeing the positive impact they have had on these children’s lives. Garry, from Eastcote, shared his belief that every child who came into their care left better than they arrived, reflecting the love and support they provided.
In addition to the individual awards, eight more awards were presented to foster carers who have gone above and beyond in supporting children in remarkable ways. Roy and Filomena Taylor, from Hillingdon, received the Exceptional Care Award for their ongoing support of four children and fostering more than 20 children over the past 13 years.
Since the launch of the council’s campaign to recruit more foster carers in May, there has been a significant increase in inquiries. The council’s commitment to providing a comprehensive payment and benefits package has been instrumental in attracting more individuals to consider becoming foster carers.
The event was a heartwarming celebration of the selfless dedication and compassion shown by foster carers in Hillingdon. Their unwavering commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for children in need is truly commendable. The recognition they received serves as a testament to the invaluable role they play in the lives of vulnerable children in the community.
For more information on fostering opportunities in Hillingdon, you can visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fostering and learn more about how you can make a difference in a child’s life.