Our extended family

Havva and Jim went along to an information event around 35 years ago after seeing a programme about fostering and have since fostered more than 350 children. They said: “We felt that we’d love to help other families that weren’t as fortunate as us and wanted to do what we could to make their lives better.

“Fostering was not what we thought in the beginning but as we got used to the children and young people that came through our house and saw how our children were feeling about it all, it became our lives.

“After more than 350 children, we love every minute of fostering! We aren’t saying it is easy but it is the best thing we’ve ever done. 

“The best thing is seeing the young people we have looked after becoming parents and bringing their children to meet us, start businesses, become paramedics, lady plumbers, lady construction workers, and many more.

“Coming into the country not speaking the language and working so hard that they are starting university. That makes us very proud of all these young people. 

“They’ve become extended family and it’s all been so worthwhile.”