St Helens couple say fostering 62 children has been ‘a privilege’

A couple who have fostered 62 children said caring for young people “who needed us” had been “an honour and a privilege”.

Sue and Dave Cook, from St Helens, have both been awarded MBEs in the King’s New Years Honours list for their services to fostering.

The couple, who started 20 years ago, said they were “humbled” by the honour, but “the real prize” was to see children they had cared for “go on to flourish in life”.

“You get so much fun out of these children – they reward you in so many different ways, be it be big or small,” said Sue.

The couple said it had been “such a rewarding experience”.

Born and bred in St Helens, Sue said she had always wanted to “give something back” to her community.

“We really love that we can support children keep as much stability by being placed in foster care here in their home town, where they can stay in their schools and maintain their usual friendships,” she said.

“It makes a real difference to them to have that and we’re delighted to be able to provide them that for as long as they need.

“To be able to give back to these children from St Helens who need us – it is an honour, it’s a privilege to have them in our home.”

The Cooks, who foster for St Helens Council, said there was a desperate shortage of foster carers in the borough.

Dave said he would encourage anyone thinking of fostering to “absolutely go for it”.

“There are so many children that need fostering,” he said.

“There are so many options you can take, from babies all the way through to teenagers to 18-year-olds.

“If you’re even considering it, pick up the phone and get on to Foster4 because we desperately need people.”

Dave and Sue said they had “no intention to stopping just yet”.

“We’re still doing it and still enjoying it,” explained Sue.

“Every day is a different day and every day is a nice day,” Dave added.

“You mix the good with the bad. It keeps you going, it gets you up in the morning.”