Local couple ‘humbled’ to be Foster Carers of the Year

Marion and Hugh Corr, who live in Twinbrook, have been fostering children for 20 years as well as raising their own three children, who are now married with families of their own.

The dedicated couple still have five foster children at home, leaving them very busy but also very happy with their extended family.

Marion and Hugh were delighted to receive their award at Stormont on Saturday, after they received two nominations to the award, organised by the Fostering Network, from their foster children and their Link worker with Social Services, Liz Black.

Marion said, “We are over the moon and really honoured to be chosen.”

The couple, who prefer to foster long-term, rather than short-term placements, went through an interview process following their nomination and were thrilled to get the call to say they had been chosen.

Marion decided to consider fostering after working as a childminder for a number of years. She was approached by social services who asked whether she had ever considered fostering, Marion talked it over with Hugh, who was equally keen.

The couple raised their children Martin, Hugh and Roisin, as well as numerous foster children through the years, which Marion admits, saw the family make some sacrifices.

“When you are fostering you need the backing of your family,” she said. “When we first fostered there were a lot of sacrifices. The boys had to start sharing a room again so the foster child could have a room of their own, but it all worked out absolutely brilliantly.”

So well in fact, that Marion’s daughter Roisin is considering fostering herself when her one year old baby is a little older.

Marion added: “I prefer to do long-term placements so I can get to know the children and build a relationship. It is very rewarding; they come in very timid and very frightened and to see them within three months developing their own character is wonderful.”

Marion and Hugh currently have five children in their care.

Marion added: “I’d like to thank our children and our link worker Liz who nominated us, and the panel for choosing us.

“We both feel very humbled for this award and accept it with great honour,” said Marion.

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