'My foster kids had never celebrated Christmas'

Rob and Heather foster a pair of siblings who had never previously celebrated Christmas

It can be easy to take Christmas traditions for granted, but for some children, the idea that Santa would come to their house at all is an alien concept, a foster carer has said.

Heather, who has fostered children at her Preston home for several years, said when a five-year old boy and his three-year-old sister arrived shortly before the big day one year, the harsh reality of their previous Christmases was revealed.

"On Christmas Eve, I put out sacks for Santa's presents, then I put out some milk, carrot and a mince pie. And they looked at me like I was daft," she said.

"He said 'Santa's never been before', he had been told Santa hadn't been because he was too naughty."

Heather and her partner Rob are now excited to celebrate another Christmas with the siblings, carrying on what have become traditions of filling their advent calendars with chocolate and going to the pantomime.

They will celebrate with their other foster child, Heather's birth children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

"We're a big family, in fact it's got so big that none of us have a house big enough," Heather said.

"I've had to hire a room above a pub to fit us all in!"

'Indelible memories'

Lancashire county councillor Cosima Towneley said Heather and Rob's story highlighted the importance of foster carers.

"Heather created indelible memories for those young children who came into her care having never celebrated Christmas before," she said.

"Those moments will remain with them for the rest of their lives and this upcoming Christmas will undoubtedly be as special as the very first one."

Towneley encouraged others to consider taking the leap, saying support was available for potential carers.

"Fostering is one way of keeping children within Lancashire, and we know that those who live in a family atmosphere tend to thrive and move forward with success in the future," she said.