Linda Garforth was among carers from 22 foster families presented with long service awards at Oldham Council’s annual celebration.
Linda began fostering for Oldham in May 1991 after seeing an advert in a newspaper.
She has provided long-term, short-term and respite placements for children and young people, and adopted one of the children in her care.
Her twin daughters, Christine and Catherine, have also become foster carers. Christine started in 2008 and Catherine in 2020.
Linda said “I have looked after children from just 30 hours old to teenagers. The most rewarding thing about being a foster carer is knowing that you have made a difference and seeing someone who has arrived withdrawn leave you with good memories.”
Recalling her decision to foster, she said “I realised I could make a real difference. After 200 children I stopped counting.”
Around 70 foster carers and 30 fostering staff attended the celebration at the Oldham Event Centre at Oldham Athletic FC.
The 22 families recognised with long service awards have collectively provided 250 years of fostering, according to the council.
The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Pam Byrne, presented recipients with flowers, certificates and gift vouchers.
Five further awards recognised special achievement, new foster carers, kinship care, care for children with complex needs and outstanding contributions to fostering.
The annual celebration, now in its fourteenth year, included a speech from council chief executive Shelley Kipling thanking foster carers for their work.
Nick Whitbread, the council’s assistant director of corporate parenting, co-ordinated the awards with Lisa Oates, head of service for adoption and fostering.
Nick said “Our foster carers provide stability, care and encouragement to some of our most vulnerable children and young people.
“This celebration evening is a chance to recognise their dedication and thank them for the enormous difference they make to families across Oldham. We are incredibly grateful for their commitment and proud to celebrate their achievements.”
Anyone interested in fostering can visit Oldham Council’s fostering website or call 0300 303 0321.
