To be honest I was shocked when it was announced I had won. I felt quite overwhelmed but excited at the same time. I never really knew how hard fostering was going to be emotionally or how challenging especially during this last year. But I wouldn’t change what I do for the world. Every once in a lifetime, we come across that one individual who makes the world seem a better place to live in. How lucky are we to have met three. I am so proud of each of my boys and I feel over the moon when they master new milestones, when their faces beam with happiness.

I was honoured to have won this award for care leaver of the year. It has been such a journey from the age of eight to being almost 25, there have been some bad times but so many good times and now on top of the previous good times I can add to my list this award. I would say to anyone to follow their dreams and never give up, even when times are hard, there is always a way to achieve what you want in life, it just may take some time to get there.

I was thrilled to have been nominated and even more thrilled to hear I was a finalist. Debs’ Fab Carers (as they call themselves J) and young people are amazing. Something good happens every single day for me at work. I am so proud of every single one of them. For me, fostering is about the people, not just the carers but their families who also support and do so much.