Couple who fostered 1,000 kids decide to retire

Wendy and Steve Taylor have been fostering since 1984

A couple who became foster parents to 1,000 children have decided to retire from their roles after four decades.

Wendy and Steve Taylor were unable to have more children after the birth of their daughter Becky, 39.

As they did not want her to be an only child, the couple from Winch Wen, Swansea, decided to become foster parents in 1984.

And, since then, they have kept in touch with many of the young people they have helped, including one foster son who's now aged 54.

Wendy said: "You never know who will show up at Christmas time, and that's lovely."

She admitted she will miss the role "so much".

"It's been lovely having them all with us," she added.

The couple initially intended on fostering babies, but felt handing them on would be difficult so they decided to support older children instead.

'Very satisfying'

"We felt we could not get attached to teenagers - we were very wrong," said Steve.

"Helping young people move on to independence successfully, or back home to their parents, is one of our main achievements.

"Knowing that we have played a part in allowing them to mature and move on to adulthood, in a world which can be scary, is very satisfying."

In 2015, the couple received MBEs for their work in helping young people.

Steve said: "We have loved being part of so many young people's lives and help them get ready for adulthood. And when the young people come to visit us years later with their own children, it just feels all worthwhile."

Wendy said: "I know I will miss it all so much, it's a wonderful thing taking in children. We have loved fostering. It's been lovely having them all with us - I suppose it's a feeling of belonging."

Jordie Cullen was aged 14 when she was fostered by the couple in 2009.

"I want them to know they’re really special," she said of the couple.

"They truly are parents. It’s not like you’re living in a foster home, it feels like you’re living with mum and dad.”