Graham and Margaret celebrate 20 years as Calon Cymru foster carers

Graham and Margaret celebrate 20 years as Calon Cymru foster carers

Graham and Margaret, a special couple from Rhoose are celebrating 20 years as foster carers with Calon Cymru. Over the past two decades, they have opened their hearts and home to countless children and young people, providing each of them with a nurturing, caring environment.

Their fostering journey

Graham and Margaret have taken on various types of placements, including short-term, long-term, siblings, and respite. Their adaptability and willingness to meet the varying needs of our children and young people highlights their dedication to making a difference, in whatever way is needed.

On speaking of reaching their fostering milestone, the couple said:

“The last 20 years have gone fast and there have been lots of ups and downs. We were told at the start not to expect any gratitude, but we’ve received so much. We’ve been really lucky to have amazing children coming through our door and we’ve had some great times with them, it’s been so rewarding to see them all move on and do well. We still see some of them now, they keep turning up! We’re going to a baby shower for one of them soon, she’s 28 and about to have her first baby with her lovely partner.”

Their family life

Although they both grew up in the West Midlands, Graham and Margaret met while working at Butlins Barry Island. They loved South Wales so much that they decided to lay down their roots and start a family in the Vale of Glamorgan. They have been married for over 40 years and are still the best of friends.

Family is the centre of Graham and Margaret's world. They love spending time with their grown up daughters and grandchildren, often embarking on family adventures camping and caravaning. Their home is filled with love and lots of laughter, which has undoubtedly benefitted the children and young people they have looked after.

Graham and Margaret are warm and personable, and both have a great sense of humour – something which has been vital over the last 20 years! Throughout their fostering career, they have looked after children of all ages and needs, including some with seriously challenging behaviour, as well as others with special educational needs. Their dedication has never faltered, and they have shown a huge amount of resilience.

Thank you!

As Graham and Margaret celebrate this significant milestone, everyone at Calon Cymru Fostering extends their congratulations. Their 20 years of service has left a lasting mark on the lives of countless children and young people across South Wales, and for that, we are all extremely grateful.