Craig Lockett
Craig Lockett was left disabled after three strokes but now he’s working for Stoke City Football Club and making a massive difference to the lives of fellow stroke survivors.
The 51-year-old, from Meir, is a football development and sports coach with Stoke City Foundation, where he set up a stroke peer support and stroke wellbeing groups after talking to The Stroke Association about the need for more support groups in the city.
Craig is able to share his lived experience and lead conversations, games and physical activities for up to 20 stroke survivors at each session.
He has been nominated in the Carer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards and the groups he runs have been nominated in the Community Group of the Year category.
One nominator said: “In 2024 my mum was diagnosed with a stroke though a brain scan. I really didn’t know where to go for support. The Stroke Association told us about Stoke City Foundation’s stroke wellbeing group. We went for a visit, so my mum could see what it was like. She absolutely loved it.
“They not only supported my mum they also support the family and to be very honest I really don’t know how I would have got through all of the stroke recovery with my mum if it wasn’t for this group. They honestly deserve this award for all the support they give to stroke recovery patients and the families. I really can’t thank them enough for everything that they have done for my family and the hard work they all put into this group.”
Another nominator said: “Craig is an amazing support to others. He never judges anyone and will always try to help. He gives others the strength to try different things even when they think that they can’t do it.
“The group he runs has given my husband and myself a much-needed purpose and without this group stroke survivors would have very little. Craig praises everyone and he is very passionate about his group. He is a wonderful, caring man.”
A third person said: “Craig does it because he truly believes he can help and gives all the participants belief they can conquer everything in their recovery. The group has gone from strength to strength now running weekly for one hour on a Friday and a two hour session the first Friday of every month.
“The stories of success are impactful. People returning to work and gaining social confidence. It’s truly amazing.”
Craig said: “My first stroke in 2018 left me disabled and I was out of action for five years before I could work again. I got the job at Stoke City and after speaking to the Stroke Association we get up support groups. We have anything from 15 to 20 people at each session but we’re only scratching the surface of the number of people having a stroke in Stoke-on-Trent.
“This is a massive thing for me. I’m a big advocate for making sure people have the best care possible.
“I’ve got to show these people that anything is possible. I’ve got lived experience and they can relate to me.”
He added: “It’s humbling to be nominated for a Your Heroes Award. I’m doing this to improve the quality of people’s lives and ensure they stay active because if you’re not active that’s when you start getting depressed.”
Wendy and Mark Beech
During their 20 years as foster carers Wendy and Mark Beech have opened their home to babies, children with special needs and an asylum seeker with young children. They’ve offered emergency placements, respite care and long-term placements.
They have now become Shared Lives carers so that a young person who originally came to them as a child can still receive their support despite now being classed as a care leaver.
The couple, from Alsager, have been nominated in the Carer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Marie Plant, Fostering Recruitment and Engagement Officer at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
She said: “Wendy and Mark are passionate advocates for the children in their care, ensuring that each child’s voice is heard, valued and considered in decisions that affect their lives. They actively support children to express their wishes, feelings and views, helping them participate meaningfully in care planning, reviews and professional meetings.
“By promoting children’s involvement in decision-making, Wendy and Mark empower them to develop confidence, self-esteem and a sense of control over their future. They place a strong emphasis on meeting children’s emotional and physical needs, providing a safe, nurturing and supportive home environment where children can feel secure and thrive. Through attentive care and positive relationships, they help children build resilience and achieve positive outcomes.
“Wendy and Mark are also committed to supporting children’s educational achievement and aspirations. They work closely with schools, including the designated teacher for looked-after children, to ensure that appropriate support is in place and that any barriers to learning are addressed.
“By promoting high aspirations, celebrating achievements and encouraging children to reach their full potential they help children develop confidence in their abilities and a positive outlook towards their education and future opportunities.”
Wendy said: “It’s a shock to be nominated for a Your Heroes Award, particularly as we’re moving on to be Shared Lives carers. I’m really chuffed.”
She added: “If anyone is reading this and considering becoming a foster carer my advice is to definitely do lots of research and find what’s best for their own situation and what would work for them. A lot has changed over the years and people who thought they may not be eligible to be foster carers can now do it.”
Maureen and Carl Beardmore
Maureen and Carl Beardmore have offered a home to many children and young people over the past 14 years, starting as respite carers through Stoke-on-Trent City Council before taking on long term placements.
The Blythe Bridge couple began their fostering journey when their own children were getting more independent and have since welcomed youngsters aged anywhere from three to 18 years.
“I think part of the reason we began was because I was working in a school and in particular with children with educational needs,” said Maureen. “As my own children were growing up and left home we felt we were able to do it.
“Being a foster carer has its challenges but when you see the difference you can make it makes all the difference.”
The couple, both aged 59, have been nominated in the Carer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Marie Plant, Fostering Recruitment and Engagement Officer at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Marie said: “Carl and Maureen consistently speak with great warmth and pride about the three children in their care. They have provided long term care for the two younger ones. It is a genuine pleasure to hear the positive and affirming way they talk about them.
“Carl and Maureen have built deeply caring and nurturing relationships, and it is clear that the children feel safe, settled and content within their home. Their thoughtful and inclusive approach has also supported them to settle in seamlessly.
“Carl and Maureen frequently highlight the politeness and willingness to help, reflecting the respectful and supportive environment they have created. All three children appear highly settled and secure, which is evident in their confidence to express their thoughts, emotions and feelings openly. This is a true testament to the nurturing, stable and loving care Carl and Maureen provide.”
Maureen said: “It’s really nice to be nominated for a Your Heroes Award as there are hundreds of people doing foster caring. It’s really nice to be singled out and makes you realise you’re not taken for granted. It isn’t until someone says you’re doing an amazing job that you stop and think about it.”
She added: “The support we’ve had over the years has been great. There is always someone to talk to if we’ve got a problem.”
Donna and Ade Smith
Foster carers Donna and Ade Smith have formed such strong bonds with children that have been in their care that they stay in touch and even have a holiday booked with one young child and her new adoptive family.
The Newcastle-under-Lyme couple decided to become foster carers in 2020 after their daughter, who they say is their biggest supporter, left home.
“We still had the room at home and we still had so much love to give,” said Donna, who previously worked as an accountant for 36 years. “Our daughter is a teacher and lives very close so she provides a lot of support. It’s the toughest job I’ve ever done, tougher than being an accountant.”
The couple have provided a home to three children over the past six years, aged two, three and four years, supporting each of them with the transition into a new long-term home.
They have been nominated in the Carer of the year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Marie Plant, Fostering Recruitment and Engagement Officer at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Marie said: “One of Donna and Adrian’s key strengths is supporting children through positive transitions. They understand the importance of helping children move on to the next stage of their journey with confidence, whether that is returning home, moving to a long-term placement or achieving greater independence.
“Their commitment to the children they care for extends beyond the time they spend living with them. Donna and Adrian have maintained contact with children who have moved on from their care, offering continued encouragement and support where appropriate.
“These lasting relationships reflect the genuine care, stability and positive impact they have had on the lives of the children they have fostered.
“Through their dedication, compassion and ability to build trusting relationships Donna and Adrian have made a significant difference to the children and young people they have welcomed into their home.”
Donna said: “I just think it’s really important to stay in their lives.”
Her advice for anyone considering becoming a foster carer is to begin by offering respite care as this can help a person find out quickly whether fostering is the right role for them.
“I’d advise people to test the water for six months as a respite carer and not to go straight into a long or even short-term placement. It’s a very tough job and it’s not for everybody.”
She added: “It’s nice to have been recognised with a Your Heroes Awards nomination. Recognition and a thank you goes a long way.”
Sarah Kennedy
Sarah Kennedy from Stoke-on-Trent helped to save the life of a toddler who was pulled from a hotel swimming pool and had stopped breathing.
The mum and grandmother-of-three stepped in to help while on holiday in Tunisia last week, positioning the child’s head to help clear the airway of water then guiding a lifeguard through chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Without her quick thinking the boy may have lost his life. She has since been thanked by his family.
Remarkably Sarah’s lifesaving actions came just a day after she helped another holidaymaker who was suffering from an epileptic seizure, putting her into the recovery position and staying with her until the seizure had passed.
Sarah has been a foster carer with Stoke-on-Trent City Council for four and a half years and says she used the first aid skills she was taught during her fostering training.
Sarah said: “Me and my friend were about to start water aerobics when we saw a little one being pulled out of the water. The lifeguard didn’t know how to do CPR but I did. I’ve never been so scared in all my life. I honestly thought the child had drowned.
“I didn’t know what had happened after they went in the ambulance. I couldn’t sleep that night. I just kept seeing the child’s face. I thought he had gone.
“It was two or three days later when I saw the family again. They didn’t speak English but one family member just kept saying thank you.”
Sarah credits the first aid training she received through Stoke-on-Trent City Council for the skills she was able to call on.
She added: “I’d like to say that anybody would have done it but my friend just froze. I couldn’t have just sat down and not done anything.”
Sarah has now been nominated in the Carer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Marie Plant, Fostering Recruitment and Engagement Officer at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Marie said: “Drawing on the training, calmness and determination she has developed as a foster carer, Sarah immediately stepped in. She positioned the child’s head correctly to help clear the airway of water and she calmly guided others through the CPR process, explaining chest compressions and rescue breaths to the lifeguard.
“Despite fearing that the child may not survive, Sarah refused to give up and continued her efforts. Thanks to her quick thinking, knowledge and perseverance the little boy began breathing again before being rushed to hospital by ambulance. Her actions undoubtedly gave this child a chance at life.
“Sarah has also assisted a woman who was experiencing an epileptic seizure. She calmly ensured the woman’s safety, placed her in the recovery position, reassured those around her and stayed with her until she recovered from the fit.
“These incidents demonstrate Sarah’s exceptional ability to remain calm under immense pressure, put her training into practice and act selflessly to help others.
“While these experiences have understandably had an emotional impact on her they also highlight the incredible value of the skills, compassion and resilience she brings to her role as a foster carer.
“Sarah is a true hero. Her actions have made a life-changing difference to others and she is thoroughly deserving of recognition for her bravery, dedication and commitment to keeping vulnerable people safe. Quite simply, Sarah saved a child’s life and I could not be prouder to nominate her.”
Sarah has fostered more than 10 babies and young children since becoming a foster carer in January 2022 and says she would encourage others to consider it even if they only have a couple of nights per week to offer respite care.
The Bostock Family
A Stoke-on-Trent family have welcomed more than 40 foster children into their home over the past 14 years, including a one-day-old baby.
Fostering has become such an everyday part of their life that Nick and Katy Bostock’s 19-year-old daughter is aiming to become a foster carer for teenagers after she graduates from university.
Nick and Katy have been fostering through Stoke-on-Trent City Council since 2012 and have fostered up to five children at any one time, even moving house to be able to foster more.
Their own two children, now aged 17 and 19, were aged just two and four when the family’s fostering journey began.
The family have been nominated in the Carer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Marie Plant from the Fostering Team at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
She said: “Katy and Nick provide a loving and nurturing home for three young children, two of whom are the same age and share very similar personalities. They have shown exceptional dedication and emotional resilience while supporting the older children through complex and often uncertain care plans.
“Katy and Nick always respond with compassion and professionalism, immediately opening their home again without hesitation.
“The breakdown of placements can be an incredibly distressing and confusing experience for children, yet Katy and Nick have worked tirelessly to provide reassurance, stability and emotional safety during these transitions. They have been deeply attuned to the children’s emotional needs, offering consistent care, comfort and understanding to help them process disappointment, loss and change.
“Their ability to prioritise the children’s wellbeing above all else has allowed the children to re settle and feel secure, supported and valued during what could otherwise have been a very unsettling time.
“Central to this nurturing environment are Katy and Nick’s daughters, Daisy and Poppy, who play a vital and meaningful role in the family’s fostering journey. Daisy and Poppy have shown remarkable kindness, patience and maturity, actively supporting the three children in their care and helping them feel welcomed, included and safe. Their willingness to share their parents, their home and their everyday family life has been instrumental in helping the children rebuild trust and form positive relationships.
“Together Katy and Nick with the invaluable support of Daisy and Poppy have created a warm, resilient and emotionally supportive family environment. Their approach reflects a deep commitment to meeting children where they are, especially during times of loss and uncertainty.
“Their compassion, strength and child centred values truly exemplify the very best of fostering and the positive impact they continue to have on the lives of the children in their care cannot be overstated.”
Katy said: “Being part of a fostering family has given Poppy and Daisy stepping stones. One is thriving at University and aspires to foster teenagers and the other wants to train to become a paramedic.
“If anyone reading this is considering becoming a foster carer I’ve advise them to look at Facebook or Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s website. Fostering is something I’ve never regretted it.”
Paul and Fiona Lockett
Fostering has become a way of life for Paul and Fiona Lockett, who have opened their home to more than 30 youngsters over the past 16 years.
The couple, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, first started fostering through Stoke-on-Trent City Council 16 years ago when their own children were aged just five and seven.
Fiona, aged 55, said: “We both had really good childhoods. We didn’t come from wealthy backgrounds but we knew we were loved and we wanted to be able to pass that on to some children who perhaps weren’t so lucky.”
They have fostered babies and children of all ages over the years, who have stayed with them for anything from days to years.
“We absolutely love it. It’s a privilege to do this job,” said Fiona. “It’s become a way of life for us. It has its high and low points but I would never consider walking away from it. I can’t imagine ever stopping.”
Fiona and Paul, aged 57, have been nominated as Carers of the Year in the Your Heroes Awards by Marie Plant from the fostering team at the city council.
Marie said: “Their extensive experience has enabled them to develop a deep understanding of the complex needs of children who have experienced adversity, loss and uncertainty.
“They are known for their patient, nurturing and compassionate approach, taking the time to understand each child as an individual and responding to their needs with kindness and empathy.
“Fiona and Paul recognise the importance of building trusting relationships and creating a stable, secure environment where children feel safe, valued and cared for.
“Through their calm and consistent care they help children develop confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging. Their ability to provide understanding and reassurance, particularly during times of transition and challenge, has enabled many children to settle successfully and make positive progress.
“Fiona and Paul’s commitment to fostering has had a lasting impact on the lives of the many children they have welcomed into their home, providing them with the stability, support and the opportunities they need to thrive.”
Fiona added: “Fostering is like a family community. It’s such a rewarding job and I can’t recommend it enough to anybody. You can make such a difference to a child’s life.”
Arlene and Phil Lambourne
When Arlene and Phil Lambourne took in a nine-year-old girl for a few days they had no idea she would still be living with them five years later and that they would have trained to become foster carers.
Arlene, 63, has even given up her job as a nurse to help meet the needs of their foster daughter, who is now aged 15.
The Stoke-on-Trent couple were classed as kinship foster carers, because they were known to the girl’s previous carer. This meant they were able to provide her a home at the same time as completing the lengthy process to become official foster carers.
Arlene is now also a buddy, supporting other people who are in the process of becoming foster carers through Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Arlene and Phil, aged 55, have been nominated in the Carer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Marie Plant, Fostering Recruitment and Engagement Officer at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
She said: “Arlene and Philip have built a strong and trusting relationship with the child in their care. They have helped her to feel valued, understood and genuinely believed in. Their unwavering confidence in her abilities and potential has empowered her to believe in herself and begin to hold ambitious hopes and aspirations for her future.
“They have advocated for her needs and offered new and meaningful opportunities. Arlene and Phil have supported her to feel fully included and part of the family, fostering a true sense of belonging, safety and emotional security.
“Alongside this, Arlene has offered support to other carers, both those at the beginning of the fostering journey and those facing challenges. Her willingness to share her experiences and offer encouragement and understanding has been invaluable to others.”
Arlene said: “It was the child who asked if she could come and live with us. Her placement was breaking down and we were part of her former foster carer’s support team. She came to us for a few days and it became apparent that her old foster carer wasn’t able to continue in that role.
“She was with us for two days then asked if she could come to live with us. It didn’t take much for us to agree to that.”
The couple already had their own daughter who is 10 years older than their foster daughter and the two have become as close as sisters.
Arlene said: “At times at the beginning it wasn’t easy. It could be challenging on occasions. She’s part of the family now and she’s just lovely.”
She added: “If anyone reading this article is interested in becoming a foster carer my advice is to look into it properly. It’s a difficult process but it’s very worth it.”
Rachel and George Hurd
During their 14 years as foster carers, Rachel and George Hurd have welcomed 11 babies and toddlers into their home.
The Stoke-on-Trent couple have cared for children ranging from newborn babies to two-year-olds who have stayed with them for anything from a few months to a few years.
They have been nominated in the Carer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Marie Plant, Fostering Recruitment and Engagement Officer at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Marie said: “Rachel and George Hurd are passionate about celebrating each child’s individuality and ensuring that every child in their care feels valued, respected and fully included as part of the family. Through positive communication, encouragement and genuine interest in each child’s unique personality, strengths and experiences they create a warm and nurturing environment where children can develop confidence, self-worth and a sense of belonging.
“They understand the importance of helping children feel secure within family life while maintaining respect for their personal identity and background. Rachel and George strive to ensure that children are involved in family activities, routines and celebrations, fostering meaningful relationships and helping them feel connected and supported.
“Rachel and George also have a strong commitment to supporting children through adoption transitions. They recognise that moving from foster care to an adoptive family can be both an exciting and emotionally complex experience.
“By focusing on building trusting relationships, providing consistency and creating an environment of safety and security they help children navigate this significant change with confidence. They work closely with professionals and adoptive families to promote positive transitions, ensuring that children’s emotional needs remain at the centre of the process and that they feel supported every step of the way.”
Rachel said she felt honoured and surprised to have been nominated for a Your Heroes Award.
She said: “It’s really lovely to have someone recognise what you do. We don’t do it for that reason though. We do it because we love it. We do our absolute best for every child in our care.”
Rachel added: “We decided to become foster carers because we wanted to give something back. We just wanted to do something valuable and we felt that we had the right home where we would be able to help children that needed us.”
Julie and Ian
Siblings that arrived with a foster family at the age of four and nine years are still being supported by them despite now being in their 20s.
The eldest, now aged 25, has only recently moved out to their own home one mile away and has a good job after achieving a level six qualification.
The youngest, who is nearly 21 and still living with the foster parents, has achieved a qualification in joinery and is currently working for a national retailer.
Foster parents Julie and Ian, who prefer not to have their surname published, are hugely proud of their foster children.
Julie, from the Staffordshire Moorlands, said: “They have both done absolutely amazingly. They’ve been with us for more than 16 years now and it’s been our pleasure to have them in our home.”
Julie and Ian have been nominated in the Carer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Marie Plant, Fostering Recruitment and Engagement Officer at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
She said: “I would like to nominate Julie and Ian in recognition of their dedication, compassion and outstanding commitment to fostering. Julie and Ian began their fostering journey many years ago when they welcomed two children into their home. Those young people are now in their twenties and the positive impact that Julie and Ian have had on their lives is a testament to the loving, stable and nurturing environment they provide.
“Around 18 months ago, Julie and Ian made the decision to change their fostering preference to caring for children aged 0–2 years. Before making this change, they took the time to meet with professionals, seek advice and carefully consider how they could best support some of our youngest and most vulnerable children. Throughout this process they remained open, thoughtful and child-focused.
“Following the change in approval, a baby was placed with them. Julie and Ian wholeheartedly embraced this role, providing exceptional care, love and security during a crucial stage of the child’s life. Most recently, they have successfully supported the baby’s transition to their forever family. While such transitions can be emotionally challenging, Julie and Ian approached the process with professionalism, sensitivity and an unwavering focus on achieving the best outcome for the child.
“Since first discussing their change in preferences, they have maintained regular contact, seeking guidance when needed and always demonstrating a willingness to learn and develop. Their positive attitude, commitment to partnership working and dedication to the children in their care make them a pleasure to work alongside.
“Julie and Ian are a truly lovely couple whose kindness, resilience and commitment to fostering have made a lasting difference to the lives of children and families. They consistently go above and beyond and I believe they are thoroughly deserving of recognition through a Heroes nomination. Their contribution exemplifies the very best of fostering and the profound difference that dedicated foster carers can make.”
Julie added: “I think it’s quite breathtaking to have been nominated for a Your Heroes Award. It’s lovely. We wanted to help others and to make a difference. You don’t do it for recognition, you do it because you want to help.”
Heli Gilham and Neen
Heli Gilham and her partner were already adoptive parents when they become foster carers four years ago. They have since offered a long-term foster home to two children and have gone on to adopt a second child.
The couple, from Stoke-on-Trent, have been nominated in the Carer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Marie Plant, Fostering Recruitment and Engagement Officer at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Marie said: “Heli and Neen offer a child the stability, security and nurturing care he needs at such an important early stage in his life. From the moment he came into their care, they have provided a calm, loving, and consistent home, enabling him to feel safe, settled and truly valued.
“As a result, he is fully settled and thriving, making progress across all areas of his development. He has integrated beautifully into family life and has formed strong, positive relationships with Heli and Neen’s own children.
“Both have played a vital role in welcoming the child into their home, showing kindness, patience and warmth. It is clear that all three children get along well, creating a harmonious and supportive family environment that allows him to flourish.
“Their willingness to share their parents and their family life has been instrumental in helping him have a sense of belonging. His progress has been remarkable and he has surpassed expectations in how well he is developing emotionally, socially and practically while in Heli and Neen’s care.
“He continues to surprise everyone involved with his resilience, confidence and ability to form secure attachments. This speaks volumes about the quality of care, guidance and reassurance Heli and Neen consistently provide.
“As he prepares to move on to his adoptive family, the foundations Heli and Neen have helped him build will be invaluable for his future. The love, stability and nurture they have offered have equipped him with the emotional security and confidence needed to transition successfully into the next chapter of his life.
“Heli and Neen are to be highly praised for the commitment, compassion and generosity they have shown. Their collective role has made a profound and lasting difference to the young person’s early experiences and the positive impact of their care will continue far beyond his time with them.”
Heli said she felt surprised but happy to have been nominated for a Your Heroes Award.
She said: “I think it’s lovely and thoughtful. I wouldn’t have even thought we would be nominated. I’m really quite touched by it. It’s a really lovely compliment.”