Robert and Margaret Isdale have cared for over 150 children during their fostering career
The couple have been carers with Lincolnshire County Council since moving to the county in 1991. They had already been fostering for around 10 years prior to this, in another part of the country, and they have also regularly travelled to Gambia to do voluntary work over the years.
Now in their 80s, the couple were honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the council’s annual fostering celebration.
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive councillor for children’s services, said: “Rob and Margaret have helped so many foster children to fulfil their potential over the years, so we wanted to celebrate all they’ve achieved. I hope they will inspire others to become foster carers and make a life-changing difference to a child in need.”
At the event, awards were also given to carers who have been fostering for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years, as well as those who have made a special contribution. Those who have shown outstanding commitment were also celebrated.
Lincolnshire has a diverse fostering community. Each application to foster is considered on an individual basis and you can be a foster carer regardless of your marital status, sexuality, employment status, ethnicity, or religion. However, you do need to have a spare bedroom for a child or young person to use.
If you think you could foster a child and would like to know more, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fostering. You can also get in touch with the Lincolnshire fostering service by calling 01522 554114.