A Caerphilly woman who has cared for 66 children is to retire after 40 years of fostering for Caerphilly County Borough Council.
Margaret Bird became a foster carer in 1974 at the age of 28 and is still in contact with many of the people she helped through childhood.
At one point Margaret was caring for three babies at once and is still looking after one of them, Adam, 15 years later.
She can still remember her first foster child after 40 years and is proud of the difference she made to her and the 65 other children’s lives.
She said: “My first foster child was born to a young Irish mum who had been sent to Wales to have her baby.
“I felt really sad when she soon moved on but pleased I could make a positive difference to the little girl’s life in the short time she was with me.”
Mrs Bird added she has noticed a change in the support given to foster carers over the years.
She said: “Back then, carers never really got to meet each other; therefore the job could feel very isolated. There just weren’t the training opportunities and support groups that there are now.”
She has mainly moved children onto adoption and said fostering is a full-time job, feeling the time is right to retire and give new potential foster carers the opportunity care for children.
Cllr Robin Woodyatt, Cabinet Member for Social Services, thanked Mrs Bird for her years of service, and said: “I would like to extend my warmest wishes and sincere thanks to Margaret for her dedication to fostering over the last 40 years.
“Fostering, while undoubtedly demanding, can be such a rewarding career and Margaret truly is a shining example to us all. I wish her every happiness in her retirement.”
Caerphilly County Borough Council provides support for foster carers through training courses, support groups and an online forum and encourages people interested in fostering to get in contact by calling 0800 587 5664.