Super Foster Parents Celebrate 50 Years of Caring for 336 Children
In a heartwarming story of lifelong dedication, Michael, 78, and Marilyn, 74, from Rochdale in Greater Manchester are celebrating an incredible five decades as foster parents. Their journey began in 1976 when a local newspaper advertisement placed by Rochdale Borough Council caught their eye, and they have since cared for an astonishing 336 children, with no plans to retire from their compassionate work.
A Lifelong Commitment to Fostering
The couple, who have been married for 55 years, started fostering fifty years ago, initially responding to a call for carers for very young babies. Marilyn recalled, "I would really miss it," emphasizing her passion for the role. Michael added, "We feel privileged and proud." Their early years involved balancing fostering with raising their own family, including having their third child just a month after one foster child moved to adoptive parents.
Over the decades, they have typically cared for four or five children annually, with the most at one time being five, including several siblings. Marilyn fondly remembered their first placement: "It was lovely to have another little one about, I loved it. She was about 2 days old when she came to us, and we had her for 2 and a half months." She described crying the night before the child left, wondering how to cope without the baby, but this experience only strengthened their resolve to continue.
Challenges and Rewards of Fostering
Michael jokingly noted the sleepless nights and nighttime feeds, stating that "it has become a part of their life," with four hours of sleep being common. Despite the challenges, the rewards have been immense. They maintain connections with many former foster children, who often visit with their own families. Michael said, "Some of them just want a cuddle from Marilyn. She’s like a mother to them; that’s the kind of thing that can be missing in their lives."
Marilyn highlighted the joy of seeing children grow up, attending events like weddings, adoption parties, christenings, and birthdays. She shared, "We’ve had letters from adoptive parents saying, ‘They’ve turned out like they have because of you,’ which is nice." The couple are now grandparents to 13, blending their biological and foster families into a large, loving network.
Recognition and Inspiration for Others
To mark their 50-year fostering anniversary, Michael and Marilyn enjoyed afternoon tea with the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Janet Emsley, at Rochdale Town Hall, where they received a mayoral recognition award. This honour celebrates their long-standing commitment and status as some of the UK’s longest-serving foster carers.
Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education, praised the couple: "Michael and Marilyn are an extraordinary example of the love, stability and care that foster carers bring into a child’s life. Their dedication over the last 50 years has transformed the futures of hundreds of children and young people and they are living proof that what matters most is kindness, patience and willingness to open your home and heart to a child who needs it."
The story serves as an inspiration, highlighting that anyone over 21 with a spare room can become a foster carer, offering stability and care to those in need. Their legacy continues to encourage others in the community to consider fostering, making a profound difference in children’s lives.
