Running marathons and taking care of toddlers probably aren’t the things you first associate with a woman in her 60s. But at 65-years young, I’ve been fostering three beautiful young people between the ages of two and 20-years old, have three grown up birth children, and six wonderful grandchildren.
My life is busy, and I suppose some people think I’m old, but to me age is just a number. I only feel old when I look in the mirror, so I don’t do that very often! I’m kept young through the children I care for, my family life, and I find my sanctuary in running for miles and miles - with or without the family in tow.
Making the decision to foster children
I always wanted to foster, but it has to be the right time. That would be my advice to anyone. If you have your own children you need to think of them first and have enough love and attention to give to everyone. You only have one opportunity to watch your children grow, whether they’re fostered or your own, so you need to be ready. I was 54 when I started fostering but still I asked my children and family to make sure everyone was on board. Your family still has to share you at the end of the day, but I know there is enough space in my heart for everyone.
Running for wellbeing and community
Running is my safe space; it’s something I do for myself to keep me active and to look after my mental health. I started out doing Park Runs and have found the most incredible community there - I really believe it saves lives. I made a friend for life through running into the lovely Alison. When she was turning 50 she wanted to run the New York marathon. I was turning 60 a month later so I suggested we do it
together.
Since then we’ve run New York and the Marathon Majors, which means running marathons in Boston, New York, Tokyo, Berlin, and London. The majors are extending to include Sydney, so we’ll be running that on 31st August this year. When we complete that race we’ll be in the first ever group of people to have completed all seven majors. I honestly can’t quite believe it.
Raising foster children
I foster with Fosterplus, and it’s my role as a foster parent to help children find themselves again after what they’ve been through and give them a good life. People have a lot of preconceived ideas about fostering, but children don’t need an awful lot. They just need your time, energy, and your love. We’ve just said goodbye to the most beautiful toddler who has been reunited with his family. It's hard to let them go, of course, but I am so grateful for every moment we were able to spend together.
My two foster sons
Now I have my two boys - K* who’s 12 and R* who’s 20. K* is the most fantastically active young man. We fostered him before taking on something called a special guardianship order which means even though we haven’t adopted him we are his legal guardians. K* plays rugby, is training to be a lifeguard and volunteers with St John’s Ambulance. At the moment, he dreams of becoming a brain surgeon because he so wants to help others.
Our other foster son, R*, has Down’s Syndrome. He is a little bit older than your average foster child. He stays with us under something called ‘shared lives’ because he’s over 18. When he arrived with us five years ago he couldn’t walk and was fed through a tube. He has progressed in every aspect of his life and my whole family is incredibly proud of him. Now he eats normal food and gets himself dressed and was even able to attend his college prom last year. With the right love and attention there’s nothing these amazing children can’t achieve.
Combining my two greatest loves
Last year I did the London Marathon six days after Boston, with my daughter who’s in a wheelchair and my grandson. It’s one of my greatest achievements and so special because it was with my family. We’ve caught the running bug, and I love that I can share my passion with my nearest and dearest.
None of what I achieve would be possible without my wonderful husband David, we really are a fantastic team. No one knows how long we’re going to be here, so grab every second and make the most of everyday - and if you can provide a loving home to children in amongst all that - well then, how wonderful!
Foster with Fosterplus
Fosterplus is a fostering agency which prioritises matching the right children with the right families so that the fostering placements have the best chances of working out long term. If you’re interested in finding out more about caring for children who need a loving home or are ready to start your fostering journey, you can contact Fosterplus or call 0800 369 8512.