‘They are the most wonderful people’

DONNA MOORE (centre) with her former foster carers Barry and Yvonne Cossins

IT is hard work being a parent — but how about bringing up more than 40 children?

That is what super foster carers Yvonne and Barry Cossins have done over the years.

Now, one of their former charges wants to say a big thank-you by nominating them for a Pride in Oldham award.

The couple, from Henley Street, Chadderton, have been acting as foster parents for 13 years and have loved every minute of it.

Yvonne (49) said: “It was when I was on my own with two children when I was younger that I just thought ‘what would happen to my children if I wasn’t around?’.  “I realised the importance of someone being there to care for children who don’t have parents or whose parents can’t look after them.”

Barry (55), who is also an electronic engineer, said: “I’d never really thought of fostering before I met Yvonne, but I got involved with it through her and I’ve really enjoyed the whole experience.

Challenging 

“We treat all the children we foster exactly the same as how we treat our own children.

“We tend to take on challenging children and it is difficult, but you just have to try to understand and be open minded and not take it personally if they don’t accept you at first.

“You get a lot out of it in the end. If you manage to make just a small difference in their lives, then you’ve made an impact.”

Yvonne said: “Many of the children come back and visit us all the time and their children become like your grandchildren.”

The dedicated pair are even in the process of adopting one of the young children they have fostered.

Donna Moore, who nominated them, said: “They would take anybody into their home and try and help them like they did for me. These are two of the most wonderful people ever.”

To nominate someone for a Pride in Oldham award, tell us:

The name of the person or group nominated

A contact number for them, if known

Their job title and place of work, if relevant

Your reason for the nomination

Your name

Your contact number

Send your info by email to editorial@oldham-chronicle.co.uk, marked “Pride in Oldham Awards, 2008


Pride in Oldham is supported by:

Innovative Technology

J W Lees Brewery

Molnlycke Health Care

Northern Counties Housing Association

Oldham Council

University Centre Oldham

Warburtons