‘They stole our hearts!’

“On August 2, 2011 George and I were approved by the South Eastern Trust to become foster carers, which was definitely good news for us and our family,” explained Mary.

“Two weeks later on August 15 two young boys of six and seven came to live with us.

“These two fun loving, mischievous brothers soon settled into our home, family, street, church and community, but most importantly they stole everyone’s hearts.

“For the first few months there wasn’t a lot of good news for the boys.

“They had been separated from their family, had to adjust to living in the country not a town and started a new school.

“However they rose to the challenge and embraced their new life, making friends and experiencing new things including their first trip on an aeroplane to visit my family in England for the Christmas holidays.

“I think the highlights for this year will definitely include a school trip to Edinburgh for one boy and success on the Motocross track for the other one.

“The good news for George and me is the opportunity to share, love and support two wonderful boys who needed a home.”

Foster Care Fortnight is the Fostering Network’s annual campaign to raise the profile of Fostering which takes place from June 1-14.

To mark the fortnight, the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust will be holding a number of events across the Trust area to raise awareness of the urgent need for Foster Carers.

An event will also be held to mark the appreciation of the role Foster Carers undertake within the Trust.

There is a shortage of foster carers in the South Eastern Trust area, with 36 children in need of care.

The need for Foster Carers is particularly important as many children and young people come into care for a variety of reasons and this can be a particularly traumatic and stressful time in their lives.

Having the love, support and care from foster families at this time can be vitall.

Foster Carers can also provide the stability and security required to help them come to terms with their circumstances.

For more information on fostering, contact (028) 9127 0672 or visit www.adoptionandfostering.hscni.net.