Fostering story - Imogen Farmer

“My mum started fostering three or four years ago, when I was about nine or ten. Our first foster child was a new-born baby girl called Cheryl. I remember we had to go the Durham to get her. I felt very excited about being a ‘big’ foster sister and I was really happy when I first saw her. she was so sweet!"

"I really enjoyed helping my Mum look after Cheryl, and it meant I was never bored or lonely. When the time came for Cheryl to be adopted we were very sad, sad that is but happy that she was going to a loving family. Since Cheryl’s adoption her parents have sent us photos, greeting cards and invitations to Cheryl, (now Eleanor’s) birthdays and christening, so we always know how she’s doing.

"Cheryl was my Mum’s first foster child ever, the first of many who I’ll never forget. When you first get a foster child you feel excited and hopeful that your love and care can help your foster child and make him or her happy.

"When people hear that Mum does fostering, it makes me feel special, because I know that my Mum is helping normal children like me who need a home and a loving family. To be honest, I’m really proud of my Mum because she looks after loads of different children, helps me and the rest of my family cope with all the sad times, like when the foster children leave home, and still has plenty of care to give to anyone who needs it.”

Written by Imogen Farmer – age 12.