Donna and Ade Smith – Carer of the Year nomination

Donna and Ade Smith – Carer of the Year nomination

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.”