Couple to retire after caring for over 200 children during 48 years of foster caring

People encouraged to become foster carers

Norm and Tricia Marsland retire from caring for children after 48 years

A Leicestershire couple are being praised for their service to fostering after they finally decided to call time after nearly 48 years.

Tricia and Norm have cared for more than 200 children and are hoping their story will encourage more people to contact Leicestershire County Council and become much-needed foster carers.

 

I love children and I knew, through raising my own children and looking after those we cared for, this was what our life was meant to be.

“It was just a good thing to do, we didn’t look at the money angle, it wasn’t part of our thoughts at all. 

“We just wanted to be able to help caring for somebody else’s child as much and for as long as we were needed, it gave us great satisfaction knowing we were a part of helping them have a better life. It gives a great sense of achievement.

 

In total, the couple have helped care for 211 children including a number of sibling pairs, parent and child placed together, teenagers and young children with serious medical conditions.

Their phenomenal service was celebrated at a small informal ceremony at County Hall.

 

Tricia and Norm are wonderful examples of what fostering is all about: we want to say a massive thank you from all the children they’ve supported on behalf of the service, they have touched the lives of hundreds of children and young people in Leicestershire and will be sorely missed.

 

If you are interested in fostering and want to find out more, you can attend one of the council’s monthly information events at County Hall, have a cup of tea with the team and find out more in a relaxed environment.

The next one will take place on Thursday, 6 September from 6:30-8pm.

Other events set to take place in the near future include:

  • Thursday, 27 September;
  • Wednesday, 17 October;
  • Tuesday, 6 November.

Find out more about fostering and adoption  

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