Rachel and George Hurd – Carer of the Year nomination
Rachel and George Hurd – Carer of the Year nomination
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.”