The buzz of video games, children’s voices and cooking fills Annette Lowe’s home in Middlesbrough.
The 64-year-old smiles as children pop their heads round the living room door and husband John offers us bacon and sausage sandwiches.
It’s a true family home – full of kindness and love for everyone, including the children in care that Annette and John have fostered over the years.
“My best friend was a foster carer. We go everywhere together and that’s how I first thought about fostering,” said Annette, who had taken early retirement and was “at a loose end, wondering what I was going to do”.
She and John decided they wanted to foster – but had to overcome some doubts in her own family.
“Our son wasn’t keen on the idea – he didn’t understand why we wanted to help other children, when we have our own grandkids,” she continued.
“We told him that he’d had a great childhood. We wanted to make sure other children had that same chance as our children had.
“Eventually, we went away to the caravan and my son met one of the boys my friend was fostering. He just melted – he changed his mind completely and now he gets on so well with all the children he cares for. He’s actually changed career and works with young people himself now.
“It was important for us that everyone was on board. We still look after our grandchildren now, that hasn’t changed. They’ve all got a place here.
“When they sleep over, we all camp out in the living room. Everyone loves it.”
Annette and John now foster a young baby boy and two older brothers – aged five and seven – and couldn’t be happier.
“It’d have been awful if they ever got split up – I wouldn’t want that for them. They love each other and it’s easier for them to be together.
“They’ve come on leaps and bounds since we’ve had them, they know they’ve got a home and that support.
“The oldest one is now playing football for a club. He loves it, and he just wouldn’t have had that chance otherwise. He’s got those memories now.
“It’s brilliant to see them both so happy.”
Annette has fostered nine children and also offered respite care for shorter periods.
Her and John’s dedication and passion was recently commended by Fostering for Middlesbrough at a special ceremony which celebrated all of the town’s foster carers.
Annette was named Learner of the Year for her commitment to training.
“I can’t watch the TV. John likes it on a night, but I won’t watch it,” smiled Annette.
“My thing is researching and reading. I do extra training. I’ve always had an interest in children’s mental health. It makes me understand the lives some of the children might have had before they get to us.”
And with a message for those considering fostering, Annette continued: “There’s honestly nothing better in the world – to see the difference that you can make to a young person’s life.
“They’re children, we don’t know what’s happened before they came to us so all we can do is show them love and give them the best start we can.”
If you could make a real difference like Annette and John, our team would love to chat to you. Call us on 01642 201962 or if you’re ready to get things moving, grab a cuppa and start your application online now.
