Foster couple enjoy a date with the Queen

Jean and Tim have fostered 72 children over the past 18 years. They received their awards in recognition of their contribution to the care of children.

The couple began fostering after their first two children left home and they realised they had room to offer a home to other children.

Speaking about their experience of fostering Jean said,

"We would recommend fostering to anyone. It has meant so much to us and enriched our lives in so many ways. It has brought our own family closer together and our children are very supportive of what we do."

Jean and Tim were accompanied to the Palace by their daughter Stephanie and sons, Mark and Timothy and their partners.

Reflecting on their visit to the Palace Tim and Jean said,

"At the Palace it was a wonderful and unbelieveable experience. We both looked at each other and thought is this happening to us?

"It was amazing to meet the Queen and have her present our awards to us. It was the experience of a lifetime that we will neve forget".

Cecil Worthington, Director of Children's Services for the Northern Trust said,

"We are delighted for Tim and Jean. This honour is a worthy recognition of their contribution to the care of children over the past 18 years."

If you would be interested in becoming a foster carer please contact the Fostering Recruitment and Initial Assessment Team on 0300 123 11 55 or email [email protected] or visit www.fostering.hscni.net