WIRRAL foster carers have been honoured for their 'exceptional contribution to the lives of local children' during a special event.

The Appreciation Event was a chance to acknowledge and celebrate the huge contribution that foster carers make to local children.

Councillor Stephen Bennett, chair of Wirral Council's children, young people and education committee, presented awards to the following foster carers during the ceremony:

  • Julie and Steve Preston who won the ‘Mainstream foster carer who has gone above and beyond’ award
  • Cindy Nall who won the ‘Connected foster carer who has gone above and beyond’ award
  • Lesley Clark who won the ‘Outstanding contribution to fostering’ award

Nominations were made by staff across the children's services department.

Cllr Bennett said: "It takes a special kind of person to welcome someone into their family and provide them with love, care and stability.

"It was amazing to see so many people together in one room, with that kind of empathy and kindness, at our appreciation event.

"On behalf of the people of Wirral, I want to say a huge thank you to all of our local authority foster carers for their hard work and dedication."

During the event, on September 17, there was afternoon tea for guests and speeches from a number of speakers.

In addition to the awards, thank you cards and tokens of appreciation were given to all the carers who attended.

Businesses such as LUSH, Bakehouse, Coffeehouse, Greene King, Morrisons, Liverpool Football Club (LFC) and The Village Hotel had donated gifts for the foster carers.

Among the guests was Tranmere Rovers Football Club owner, Mark Palios, who spoke about his own life experiences in care when growing up.

Mr Palios said: "Sometimes, people are surprised to hear that I spent time in foster care during my childhood.

"I feel I was tremendously lucky that there was someone, someone like all of you here today, to look after me and my younger brother, within a family rather than an institution - at an important time in our lives.

Tranmere Rovers' owner Mark Palios with (left to right) Wirral foster carers Steve and Julie Preston, Lesley Clark and Cindy Nall and councillors Stephen Bennett and Chris Carubia during Appreciation EventTranmere Rovers' owner Mark Palios with (left to right) Wirral foster carers Steve and Julie Preston, Lesley Clark and Cindy Nall and councillors Stephen Bennett and Chris Carubia during Appreciation Event (Image: Wirral View) "From my own experiences I can tell you that the impact you make now as a foster carer, lasts a lifetime in the memories and experiences of that child. So, thank you so much for all that you do".

For more information about fostering in Wirral and the Cheshire and Merseyside area, go to www.foster4.co.uk or call 03456460098.