Moray fosterers reflect on what it meant to be named Carers of the Year at Moray and Banffshire Heroes Awards
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TWO Moray foster carers have reflected on how it felt to be named Carers of the Year.
Anne and Alan Doughty have fostered 50 youngsters over a 34 year period of dedicated service.
They have even had children named after them in tribute to the life changing support they have so readily provided.
Their dedication was recognised when they were named Carers of the Year at 2023's Moray and Banffshire Heroes Awards.
The award capped well over three decades of fostering young people and, according to Anne, was a fitting way to mark their retirement.
Anne said: "When we won the carer award that floored us and I think we were stunned.
"But it was such a lovely way to finish our career in fostering because we'd been fostering for 34 years."
Anne says the pair didn't want to stop fostering but had to due to Alan's health.
But retirement has allowed them spend more time together and Anne has encouraged anybody who thinks they might be suited to fostering to go for it.
"It's nice to know that we've had a positive impact on young people," Anne said.
"One of the young lads we fostered, a day doesn't go by where we don't speak to him. They're just part of the family.
"Anyone who does fostering, I take my hat off to them because it can be hard and so much has changed over 34 years because actually it is now classed as a job.
"You don't do it for the money though. You do it for the kids.
"It is so worthwhile. My heart goes out to any child who has been taken into care.
"But they need support, patience, consistency and if you can offer that then do it."
The Carer of the Year award is being sponsored by Parklands Care Homes.
Nominations have now opened for 2024's Moray and Banffshire Heroes Awards.
Send your nominations in at www.hnmedia.co.uk/morayheroes.
