A couple who’ve hit a milestone 30-years of fostering are sharing their story this Foster Care Fortnight.
Wendy and William Macdonald are celebrating an incredible three decades of fostering. During their tenure, they have fostered 22 babies, adopted two young people, and raised two birth children.
The Leicestershire couple estimate they've sterilised approximately 40,000 bottles, changed more than 50,000 nappies, and owned over 15 pushchairs.
They hope their story will encourage others to find out more about fostering and the impact they can make on children’s lives.
Reflecting on what they consider to be their stand-out achievements during their fostering journey, Wendy said: “All the children we have cared for have been our biggest achievements. The fact that we have provided a home for these babies at the beginning of their journey in life is our biggest success, and our legacy.
“Despite the facts and figures, a true test of a foster parent is the ability to provide love, safety, and security to children. We feel privileged to have been in these children’s lives - we have loved every one of them.
“We are proud to carry the title of ‘Foster Parents’.”
Wendy and William’s story is being shared as part of Foster Care Fortnight 2024, an annual campaign organised by the Fostering Network. It aims to raise awareness of fostering and demonstrate how it can change lives.
There are currently more than 730 children and young people in care across Leicestershire, meaning the need for new foster carers has never been greater.
Wendy and William’s achievement is extraordinary, and is an example of the great work that our foster carers do day in, day out.
They have selflessly offered so much to young people in Leicestershire’s care over the years, and we are so proud to have them with us.
To reach such a milestone is very impressive, and we would like to congratulate them.
I would strongly encourage anybody in the county who may be interested in making a difference to our young people to get in touch with the team, or attend one of the information events to find out more about fostering.
Person:Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and families
Virtual ‘Find Out About Fostering’ events are held every three weeks on Microsoft Teams. To register for an upcoming event, visit the fostering webpage.
For more information about fostering, email fostering@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 305 0505.