Tracy has been an adoptive mum for 24 years and a full-time foster carer to three young people for over six years.
She and husband Martin have been married for 31 years. The couple are 'Scouters' and have covered all sections from Beavers to Explorers.
Tracy shared their experiences: "When my eldest left home to join the Royal Navy it was so quiet – and he wasn’t even noisy! I wanted to do more, so this was our push to apply for fostering. In 2014 we began the process and we are now permanent foster carers to three siblings – two girls and one boy. Between them they have ADHD, dyslexia, border-line autism, three types of epilepsy, cognitive delays and emotional needs.
"When they arrived at our house it was wild! As usual, Martin went off to scout camp and I settled the three young people into our home. The following day I took them to camp to visit our scouting friends and the children joined in. They loved the freedom of running around the woods. In later years, the eldest one received a commendation award for her scouting efforts.
"Taking on a sibling group is positive for the young ones as they have each other, which gives them courage and stability – they get strength from each other. Our house gets very busy now with three teens and two grown-up sons, plus visitors. We have grown together over the years and the children take part in all that we do.
"It’s not always easy. There are the down times, the frustrating times, but with time, love and trust you can work your way through these one step at a time.
"Taking on a sibling group is positive for the young ones as they have each other, which gives them courage and stability – they get strength from each other."
"Since becoming a Foster Carer Champion, I have developed more confidence. I’ve stood up and spoken out at open nights and have gained the ability to chat to people and make them feel welcome and safe when becoming foster carers. I’m more at ease with school meetings and working with social workers and the Virtual School Team. This also impacts on the young people as they see my increased confidence and, in turn, they feel they can achieve their targets too.
"We have a good support network around us. There's our family and friends and the fostering community with hub groups and WhatsApp groups where we can chat about everything and anything.
"We have a lot of hobbies that we all do together as a family, including Scouts, camping, swimming, cooking and baking, and craft activities. I love our life, giving young people a chance to make their lives better and giving them a place they call home."
In Lincolnshire more foster carers are needed to look after some of the county's most vulnerable children and young people, including sibling groups.
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(s) for the young people to use.
In terms of practicalities, there is a fostering allowance, as well as good support and training for those who provide a home for those in need.
If you feel that you could offer a sibling group a loving home apply to foster today at www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fostering or call our friendly team on 01522 554114.