Retired foster carers David and Colleen Healy have been awarded British Empire Medals in the King’s New Years Honours list.
The Healys have been recognised for their incredible work and dedication in caring for children over nearly two decades, having fostered 45 children for Plymouth City Council between 2005 and 2019 and before that in Hampshire.
Throughout their time as foster carers, they have really enjoyed seeing the children move to their forever homes and Dave says they remain in contact with some of the adoptive parents they met through fostering and over the years have seen how the children have grown up.
Dave was also a member of the Council’s corporate parenting board for a number of years during which he represented the voices of his fellow foster carers.
Dave and Colleen retired from fostering in 2020 and Dave shared that they were “gobsmacked” when they were contacted by the Cabinet Office to advise of their awards.
Dave said: "When we first got the call, we were both absolutely flabbergasted.
"We often reflect on our years of fostering with such fondness and while we are privileged to be recognised by the King, it doesn't come close to the honour of being able to welcome all of those children into our hearts and home over the years.
"Being foster carers has been one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives and we'd encourage anyone thinking about it to step forward. It will change your lives and the lives of so many children for the better."
Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Councillor Jemima Laing, added: 'What a magnificent and well-deserved recognition for Dave and Colleen. They have worked tirelessly over the years to give young people in our city a safe place to call home, and we are all incredibly grateful to them.
“I would like to wish them a huge congratulations; this is fantastic news.”
To find out more information about becoming a foster carer for Foster for Plymouth, visit https://fosterforplymouth.co.uk/you-can-change-everything-for-a-local-child/