Carer of the Year nominee – Charlotte Loftus
Carer of the Year nominee – Charlotte Loftus
A 45-year-old auntie from North Staffordshire has been nominated as Carer of the Year in the Your Heroes Awards in recognition of “the remarkable care that she has offered and continues to offer to her nephew”.
Charlotte Loftus is a kinship foster carer through Stoke-on-Trent City Council and has cared for her nephew for almost a decade.
He came into Charlotte’s care when he was just two years old. Over the past 10 years Charlotte has completely reshaped her life to provide the secure, nurturing and therapeutic care that he needs.
He has significant additional needs and had a challenging life as a baby and toddler, which means Charlotte has had to learn methods to provide him with the very best care. Charlotte has had to not only show extraordinary patience and love but to hugely adapt her life to ensure he feels loved, understood, supported and valued.
This has included having to give up work when he came to her, and in her new role she has to adapt her hours and workload to fit around him. It’s this selfless and loving approach that has been key to helping him thrive.
Through her selflessness, determination and patience Charlotte has transformed his life and given him opportunities to flourish that may otherwise never have been possible. She believes in his potential and works every day to help him grow, achieve and most importantly to be happy.
As the nominator said: “Above all else, Charlotte prioritises her nephew’s wellbeing. Her commitment goes far beyond day-to day-care. Charlotte is a tireless advocate for her nephew, challenging professionals and services when necessary to ensure his best interests are at the centre of all decisions made.
“Charlotte has given him more than a home, she has given him love, stability and opportunities. She embodies the essence of fostering – love, resilience, advocacy and commitment.”
Charlotte said: “It’s been hugely challenging, but I have seen a huge development and progression in my nephew, which has been wonderful. I always wanted him to stay within the family and so the last decade has been difficult at times but so rewarding.”
“He’s an amazing kid who loves going to the seaside and gaming. I am going to look into the world of respite care, which could be a real possibility for me in the future.”