Hornchurch foster carer urges others to follow suit

As Havering Council launches its campaign aiming to get more people fostering teenagers, we caught up with a foster carer who explained just how rewarding it can be.

A little encouragement from a friend was all it took for Hornchurch mother-of-two Sue Terry to become a foster carer – and she hasn’t looked back.

Starting 13 years ago, Mrs Terry (pictured) has opened up her home to 25 children as well as raising her own two.

The 51-year-old said: “No one can just be a foster carer, it’s about the whole family. My children have been great and they’ve been upset when children have moved on because they’ve become siblings.

“Each child brings something different to your life. Of course, you’ll have bad days but you’ll also have children you never forget.”

Mrs Terry and husband Paul, 55, currently have two foster children – a four-year-old boy and 14-year-old girl.

With years of experience looking after teens, she knows what to expect but that does not mean their hormones haven’t caused her a challenge, as she is finding out with her foster daughter.

Mrs Terry said: “Every teenager has hormones but it has been so rewarding to watch her grow into a young lady.

“We enjoy doing things that any mum and daughter would.”

Sue also praised the support her family has received from the council and social workers.