South Eastern Trust Foster Carer, Anne Veitch, who’s in her eighties, has been honoured for her extraordinary commitment to children at the recent NI Foster Care Awards ceremony.
Anne, who’s from Bangor, continues to provide respite care for countless children, a role she has embraced for the past 18 years. Her dedication earned her the prestigious Excellence in Foster Care Award.
Anne’s unique ability to connect with children through her love of art and animals has allowed her to form meaningful and lasting relationships with both the children and their families. Her compassionate care has touched the lives of many children and families.
Anne has been providing short breaks for two girls who are now teenagers for ten years. They have experienced a lot of loss and have been going through grief in their own lives. Anne has been a safe and steady base for them throughout their care experience. The girls love staying with Anne, enjoying movie nights in front of the fire as well as day trips. Anne’s unique ability to connect with children through her love of art and animals has allowed her to form meaningful and lasting relationships with both the children and their families. Her compassionate care has touched the lives of many children and families.
Local Foster Carers, Ashleigh and John Marshall, from Carrickfergus were also recognised at the ceremony, receiving the Special Recognition Award. Ashleigh and John care for a five-year-old who requires round-the-clock care and support for all elements of his life, including eating and breathing.
Ashleigh became aware through the young boy’s circumstances through work and expressed an interest in caring for him. While John was daunted at first, they both created a strong bond with the boy. The couple were initially told he would never leave hospital or reach the age of two, however they’ve been able to take him to Legoland to meet Santa and have taken him on an aeroplane.
It is really challenging for Ashleigh and John when M has to go to hospital for periods of time, but they described him as their centre, and that caring for him is the best thing they have ever done. They have a good relationship with the boy’s birth parents. They are now taking the steps to formally adopt him.
Director of Children’s Services, Lyn Preece, praised the Foster Carers, saying, “Foster Carers like Anne, Ashleigh and John embody the very heart of what Foster Care is about, providing stability, care and love to children who need it most. Their dedication and compassion are truly inspiring and their impact on the lives of the children they care for is incredible.
”Our Foster Carers across the South Eastern Trust play a critical role in supporting and transforming the lives of vulnerable children. I would like to thank them for their commitment in creating a safe, loving environment during the most challenging time in a child’s life.”
The awards ceremony, hosted by The Fostering Network in partnership with HSC NI Foster Care, was a heartwarming celebration of the extraordinary individuals who continue to exemplify the spirit of compassion and care. The event highlighted the incredible contributions Foster Carers make to the lives of vulnerable children throughout Northern Ireland.
If you are interested in Fostering, please contact (0800) 0720 137 or visit www.adoptionandfostercare.hscni.net
