A COUPLE who have spent 30 years as foster carers were among those honoured for their work helping the borough's children.

Brenda and George Killip have looked after children on a long and short-term basis and cared for more than 60 children, including those with disabilities. Although they moved to Wales, they have continued to foster for Wirral.

Their work was recognised with a Big Heart long service award.

Also honoured for long service as foster carers were Bill and Margaret Frost, who have fostered for 20 years and looked after children on short term, long term and respite basis.

They were presented with their accolades during a Big Heart ceremony at Wallasey Town Hall.

The night, compered by director of children's services Paul Boyce, paid tribute to the contributions of those who have played such an important part in fostering young people and welcomed new foster carers.

Also receiving long-service fostering awards were:

  • Angela Ingram
  • Ann Abbott
  • Brian Abbott
  • Jean Downey
  • Marie Dacosta
  • Paul Dacosta
  • Peter Lamont
  • Rob Chidgey
  • Sharon Emptage
  • Sue Lamont
  • Linda Wylde

Cabinet member for children and families, Cllr Bernie Mooney, also paid tribute to other long-serving foster carers who have helped Wirral children.

She told those at the awards ceremony: "I have to give a shout-out to our Long Service foster carers who between them have a combined total of over 370 years in fostering which is just incredible."

Cllr Mooney added: “Today is first and foremost about rewarding the fantastic work that you all do, and to say thank you for going consistently above and beyond. We understand that for you fostering is not just a job, it’s a vocation.

"As the cabinet member for children and families, I’m always interested in what’s going on in the world of fostering, particularly here in Wirral.

"In October we launched our new fostering campaign which you can see examples of dotted around the room today, and which formed the title of today’s event – the Big Heart Fostering Awards.

"This was created in partnership with current foster carers, and highlights why we feel it is so important for us to work closely together towards our shared aim of recruiting more."

Other winners included Julie Preston who won the Foster Carers' Choice which was voted for by other foster carers and Sue Johnston who scooped the Professionals' Choice Award which was voted for by members of staff from the children's and young people's department.

A new award for the recruitment team was also handed out, as part of measures to highlight the ongoing need for new people to join as foster carers, while a group of foster carers who were retiring after providing decades of care were also honoured.

Cllr Mooney said: "I can't begin to imagine how many young lives you have touched and transformed."