A CARER from Runcorn who has helped change the lives of numerous children has shared her experience of fostering.

Angela, 45, said: "We came to fostering after seeing and advert in our local newspaper.

"We did the training, got assessed and within nine months we had two boys living with us. It really was that simple.

“I’m not going to deny it wasn’t a steep learning curve but the two boys are still with us now aged 17 and 19. "One is doing his a-levels and the other is at college. They make me so proud because of what they’re achieving in their lives.”

With the support of her husband, Frank, Angela has helped a large number of children over the years including caring for 17 babies who have all gone on for adoption or back to their birth parents.

Angela continued: “Foster carers are a strong community in themselves. We do day trips, outings, pantomimes with other local carers to give each other support and to have more fun.

“Days out and holidays are a massive part of being a foster carer and the kids absolutely love it. It doesn’t have to be an expensive day out. It’s about being together, helping each other out and creating good times that we can look back on together.”

A testament to the impact Angela has had on so many young people’s lives lies in the fact that many of the children she’s cared for remain in contact.

She added: "When Frank and I renewed our vows after 20 years of marriage, so many of the children came back to celebrate with us - even kids who were now living with other families. In fact, one of our boys was the best man for the day.

“In his speech he talked about how much his life was changed by us simply buying a newspaper and responding to an advert. We were in tears. The whole room was in tears. It wasn’t just the words that moved us it was an amazing example of just how far this young man has progressed in his life that he now had the confidence to stand up and tell a room full of people how he felt.

“It was so lovely.”

People living in Halton who are considering fostering are able to gather the information they need in lots of different ways; either by calling 0800 195 3175, visiting foster4halton.co.uk and completing an online form, or by attending one of many information sessions taking place in Runcorn and Widnes between now and December.

Information sessions are ran by the fostering team and foster carers. Choose from an informal session at Costa Coffee or a more formal presentation style session at Halton Stadium or Castlefields Community Centre.

In August, sessions will take place at Costa Coffee, Runcorn Shopping City from 11 am until 1pm and Castlefields Community Centre from 10am until 12pm, a full list of upcoming sessions can be found at foster4halton.co.uk/information-sessions.