Couple fostered 50 children over two decades

Lol and Sue Hepworth say the rewards of fostering outweigh the challenges

Two foster carers who have taken in 50 children over the last 19 years say they will "keep going for as long as we can".

Lol and Sue Hepworth, from Saltburn, began fostering in 2006 after moving to the north-east of England from London.

Mr Hepworth, 78, wanted to foster children because of his own experiences of being abandoned as a baby and being adopted by his uncle and said it was a chance to "give a little back" and "make a positive difference" for young people in the area.

They shared their story as Redcar and Cleveland Council put out a call for more foster parents and said the number of children in care had steadily risen over the past decade.

Mrs Hepworth, 65, said the benefits of fostering far outweighed the challenges of taking in children aged 14 to 16.

She said: "Even when children don't want to be in the system, you can find common ground.

"We fostered a girl who we still see regularly — I'm going to an ABBA tribute night with her soon."

The couple's shortest foster period lasted just 25 minutes and their longest was three years.

Mr Hepworth said they regularly have people they fostered turning up at their home around Christmas to check in on them.

He said: "They have such an impact on us too, we find it really beneficial."

'Help them grow'

Councillor Bill Suthers, Redcar and Cleveland cabinet member for children, said the number of kids in care of the local authority had increased dramatically over the last 10 years.

He said: "The council is looking for foster carers like Sue and Lol to place local children in high quality local foster placements, where they have a stable home environment and the support to help them grow, develop and realise their potential.

"Anyone wishing to take up fostering will receive comprehensive support from the council."

The Hepworths have faced challenges during their time fostering, from their car being stolen to a child going missing in the middle of the night in Newcastle.

They recommend fostering through the council for a "joined-up" approach between services for the children and training for the fosterers.

Mr Hepworth's advice to anyone considering the role is to "just go for it".