A foster carer has been awarded the highest honour from Rotherham Council after over 50 years in social care, and is hoping to inspire others to do the same.
Christine Lunn, North Anston, was made freewoman of Rotherham at the council meeting on 13 March, after she dedicated almost 51 years to foster care, taking over 250 children under her family’s wing.
Mrs Lunn, wants to spread the message of foster care, and said: “If you’ve got the patience, the love or a spare bedroom you can make a difference for the children. I can’t recommend it enough to people who are interested.
“It’s not all plain sailing, there’s highs and lows, but generally speaking, all these children want is love, safety, stability, and a loving home”.
Mrs Lunn talked about how she felt about getting the award at the council meeting and said: “It makes me feel proud, it makes me feel good and I feel as if I’ve done something worthwhile with my life.
“To be honest, I didn’t believe it at first. I was very proud to be the receiver of it, but I never thought anything like this would happen. Because to me, I’m doing what I love doing”.
Although she accepts the honour, Mrs Lunn says the award isn’t just for her.
“It’s for all these other foster carers in Rotherham that are doing exactly the same thing”.
She mentioned that, when in foster care, you come across lots of people and learn something each time.
She goes on to say that foster care isn’t about winning awards. She said: “For me, it’s the children”.
She appreciates how lovely everyone has been since, and thanks people for their many kind words on social media.
Most of the children have stayed in touch and her first foster child, who is now 51, came to see her receive the award and shared some emotional words.
However, Mrs Lunn said she could not have done it without her two biological children, now 57 and 46, and her late husband, Peter and made it clear how helpful and understanding they have been.
Mrs Lunn cannot quite believe how much attention this has got and wants to spread her message of foster care around the UK.