Six Stoke-on-Trent foster care families are amongst the nominees for this years’ Your Heroes Awards which recognise the unsung heroes of communities across Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.
Four shared lives carers have also been nominated in the Carer of the Year category in the annual awards campaign, which also recognises Children of Courage, Future Stars, Charity Champions, Volunteers, Community Groups, NHS Heroes, Inspiration in Education, Uniformed Heroes and local Sporting Icons.
Winners will be announced at a star-studded ceremony at the Hilton Double Tree on Thursday 6 October following a robust judging process by a panel of judges including Cllr Abi Brown, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of Staffordshire University, Professor Martin Jones and co-owner and Chair of Port Vale FC and Synectics Solutions, Carol Shanahan OBE.
Shortlisted this year is Hanford couple Denise and Paul Condliffe, who didn’t just offer a home to a man with learning difficulties – they made him part of their family. They are part of the Shared Lives Stoke scheme which matches adults with learning difficulties with carers who are willing to open their homes. Not only does their initial placement now live with them full time, but they also offer respite placements to several other people.
Sue and Bob Yeo are among the foster carers shortlisted. They have fostered 91 children and young people over the past two decades and despite being in their 70s have no plans to stop. They also support mother and baby placements where both the mother and child live in their family home.
Shortlisted in the future star category, Isabella Herbert has been part of a fostering family for nine years. The 15 year old welcomes foster children into her home despite knowing they won’t be there forever. The talented writer has penned a number of poems about sharing her family with other children.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council Leader, and Your Heroes judge, Cllr Abi Brown said: “It’s our privilege to be involved in the Your Heroes Awards, celebrating the fantastic achievements of local people.
“It is right that we recognise and give our heartfelt thanks to unsung heroes, who through their selflessness help to make Stoke-on-Trent the warmest and friendliest of cities and who enrich the lives of so many others.
“We have a great tradition and strong commitment to civic pride in our city and we can all draw inspiration from the amazing stories of residents.”
The Your Heroes Awards is sponsored by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Staffordshire University and the Community Foundation for Staffordshire.
More information on the Your Heroes Awards can be found at Your Heroes Awards - Help us to honour Your Heroes!
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