It’s a beautiful sunny afternoon at Christine and Ian’s Acklam semi.
Christine is unpegging clothes from the line.
“I’ve always loved being surrounded by kids,” she smiles as she swiftly folds washing belonging to her four latest foster children.
“When my sons lived at home, I’d always have their mates around, so it’s just natural to me.”
Christine and Ian have three grown up boys – Paul, Steven and Marc – who supported their parents’ decision to foster more than 20 years ago.
“It was Christine’s idea, and a fantastic one,” says Ian. “The only drawback was when we fostered babies – we would be devastated when they left.”
At the last count, Christine and Ian have provided a loving home for 144 Teesside children.
Some will stay only a day or two, others longer term, but the couple give as much love as they can to every child who is placed with them – and it does change lives.
“You may think: ‘well that’s what a mam and dad do,’” says Christine of the love she and Ian show each child.
“But for some, a hug, a haircut, a birthday party, can be a first – and an unforgettable experience.”
Many children track the couple down later in life to show their gratitude but as Ian puts it: “We see being mam and dad to these children as a great privilege. To see them go on to have fulfilling lives, even when their start in the world has been difficult, is incredibly rewarding.”
Britney was fostered – and later adopted – by Ian and Christine.
“I came from a big family and was always really close with my siblings,” she said.
“We were taken into care when I was in my first years at primary school and sent back, then a few years later we were split up and fostered again with the youngest being adopted together.
“It was hard to be apart from the little ones as I’d been so close to them when they were babies, but at least their new parents made a visit so I could see what they were like.
“Being fostered by Ian and Christine was terrifying at first. I didn’t know what to expect, but after a week or so it felt like home.
“I always used to joke that I wanted Chris and Ian to adopt me, but after four years, when I was faced with the prospect of having to leave them, they did. I was just so happy!
“I stayed with mam and dad – because that’s what they are to me – until I moved in with my boyfriend recently.
“All I can say to them is thank you. One of the proudest days of my life was when I changed my surname to theirs. They are my family.”
If you could make a real difference like Ian and Christine, 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.
All I can say to them is thank you. One of the proudest days of my life was when I changed my surname to theirs. They are my family.
