Long-serving Derby foster carers recognised at awards event

Published: 4 October 2023

Seventy of Derby City Council’s longest serving foster carers have been recognised for their dedication to supporting children in the city.

A celebration event for foster carers with 10 or more years’ service was held on Friday 29 September at Broadway Baptist Church. Carers were invited to an afternoon tea and award ceremony where each individual carer’s story about their journey was read, and their individual achievements recognised. Each carer received a certificate, a cake and flowers. The gifts were kindly donated by the GMB Union and Co-op.         

Some carers have taken care of Derby children for over 36 years.

Foster carers Marlene and Ian Upchurch have fostered 37 children in the past 15 years and have been described by the children in their care as ‘kind people who they want to stay with forever’. They have contributed to the fostering service in several ways including mentoring new carers, chairing the Foster Carers Association, supporting organising Christmas parties, and fundraising. The Foster Team described Marlene and Ian as ‘genuine wonderful and caring people’.

Diane and Peter Cade have been foster carers for over 19 years and have cared for a variety of children with varying needs. They are currently caring for two long term children with additional needs, and they were acknowledged for the commitment, love and stability they give to each child in their care.

Derby City Councillor John Whitby and his wife were also recognised for their 23 years as foster carers. With their own two children, as a family they have cared for a number of vulnerable young people with traumatic and difficult backgrounds of violence and adversity. They have looked after these young people for prolong periods of time providing stability, family life, security, and helped turn lives around.

The Fostering Team also voiced their appreciation for Cllr Whitby’s advocate support for fostering in his past role as Mayor and current post as a Cabinet Member.

Councillor Whitby, who is Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said:

We are so reliant on our foster carers to give a safe haven to our most vulnerable children. The work they do is highly valued and appreciated by myself, and appreciated by the hundreds of children in their care and by the thousands of care experienced adults, whose lives have been enhanced by the stability, care and consistency of our Derby City foster carers.

Derby City Council representative, Suanne Lim, Director for Early Help and Children's Social Care, said:

As always, it was an absolute honour to spend time in the company of Derby City Council Foster Carers. The passion, commitment and love given by carers and their families to our children and young people over the many years was inspirational.  Listening to individual journeys and collective outcomes achieved was also very humbling. We rightly celebrated and thanked all of our Foster Carers for their fantastic work and I look forward to the next 10 years.

For information on fostering for Derby City Council visit Derby Fostering web page, call 01332 640880 or come along to the Zoom Fostering Information Event on Tuesday 14 November, 6pm to 7.30pm which can be booked by visiting the fostering information events enquiry web page.

Image shows Marlene and Ian Upchurch

Children