Award-winning foster couple one in a million
Foster carers from east Perthshire described as “one in a million” have had their exceptional contribution recognised.
Dedicated Kirkmichael residents Karen and Davie Fordyce recently received a Fostering Excellence Award, the UK’s most prestigious fostering accolade.
The couple won the award for Outstanding Contribution by a Foster Carer at The Fostering Network’s annual awards ceremony, which was sponsored by The Mortgage Brain.
Karen and Davie were nominated by their supervising social worker, Sean Kelly, from Perth and Kinross Council.
As well as having two children of their own, Karen and Davie are permanent foster carers to three.
They were described as being skilled at managing the competing needs of all their young people, ensuring each one thrives.
The youngest child Karen and Davie care for has highly complex needs and spent the majority of last year in hospital, with Karen always remaining at her side.
A Fostering Network spokesperson said the knowledge and experience Karen has gained is “astronomical”, and she is a “truly valued member of the team” around the child. While Karen spends time in hospital,
Davie takes on the busy task of caring for the other four children.
Councillor John Rebbeck, Perth and Kinross Council’s learning and families committee convener, welcomed the award for the Fordyces.
He said: “My warmest congratulations go to Karen and Davie for this welldeserved award which recognises the tremendous value of their efforts to support children and young people in need – and reflects the very committed, caring and hardworking foster carers we have in Perth and Kinross who are making a real difference to the lives of children and young people locally every day.”
Elaborating on this, Kevin Williams, chief executive of The Fostering Network, said: “Congratulations to Karen and Davie on winning their award.
“Every year it’s a privilege to hear the inspiring stories of those within the fostering community.
“We are delighted to shine a light on these incredible people, celebrate their achievements and show our appreciation for them.”
The event, which was held at Birmingham’s Repertory Theatre, was attended by members of the fostering community from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.