Carer of the Year nomination – Glynn and Ann O’Donnell

Carer of the Year nomination – Glynn and Ann O’Donnell

Glynn and Ann O’Donnell have battled ill health to provide a loving home to 37 youngsters over the past quarter of a century.

The Biddulph couple, aged 74 and 66, also have three of their own children.

Ann said: “Over those 25 years we’ve never had a day when we haven’t been fostering. We have never seen this as a job, it’s a calling. It’s so rewarding, because every child deserves a loving home to grow up in, and we give them just that.”

They often receive visits from people they have fostered over the years, including some who return with their own children.

Glynn and Ann have been nominated as Carers of the Year in the Your Heroes Awards by Marie Plant, Fostering Recruitment Officer at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

She said: “I am nominating them for their compassion and empathy for the children that they care for and for their tenacity in ensuring that the appropriate long-term care is provided for each child.”

The couple have fostered youngsters from newborn to 18 years old, offering an environment filled with love, support and guidance.

Both have battled cancer, but that didn’t stop them in their desire to continue to provide a nurturing and positive environment for young people within their home.

The couple are child-focused and work hard to ensure the children in their care achieve their full potential.

Ann added: “I lost my mum when she was 49 and from that moment I always wanted to ensure that children had somewhere safe and supportive. That’s the least that they deserve.

“When they come back to us and bring their own children, that is just amazing. As long as we are fit and healthy, I see no reason why me and Glynn will ever stop providing a home for children that really need one.”