Honour for ‘super-mum’ who fostered 100 children

Sep 20 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

Honour for ‘super-mum’ who fostered 100 children

MARJORIE FLETCHER has had a hand in the upbringing of more than 100 Liverpool youngsters, welcoming them into her foster home and delivering love, care and attention.

The modest 77-year-old was honoured last night by Liverpool City Council, as more than 120 of the city’s carers were recognised for their vital work with looked-after children.

But she hasn’t stopped yet and remains as enthusiastic about caring as ever.

Despite being at an age where she could be forgiven for putting her feet up, Marjorie is still taking in foster children.

Her current charge is a “won- derful” two-year-old girl, who has been in her care since she was three weeks old, and is actually the longest serving resident at her Broadgreen home.

Speaking at Liverpool’s Queen Square Marriott Hotel, where the ceremony took place, Marjorie called the last 29 years “a pleasure”, adding “it’s a wonderful feeling to give the care that is the right of all children”.

Marjorie came late to fostering when, aged 48, she answered an advert appealing for homes.

She said: “I had worked with children for a long time and I just thought, I own a house and I had plenty of love and care from my own parents. I felt perhaps I could give something to other children.”

Liverpool City Council considers her “a real heroine” and praised her for encouraging contact between children and their natural parents, even reuniting some with their birth families.

But Marjorie is modest about the positive influence she has had on so many lives.

She said: “I feel as if a lot of others have done the same thing.”

Ron Gould, Liverpool City Council executive member for health, care and safeguarding, underlined why foster carers are so vital.

He said: “Children thrive in families, that’s why our foster carers play such an important role.

“They help build brighter futures for children, giving them the opportunity to fulfil their potential.”

Marjorie said: “The family setting is most important, where they can have more individuality.

“They are a person in a private home, which is what all children hope to have.”

As well as honouring Marjorie, 12 awards were given to carers who have achieved the nationally recognised Healthy Homes standard, creating safe, clean and green environments for children to grow up in.

Carers were also joined by the children, with awards handed out to those involved in the Liverpool Participation Group, a scheme to help young people shape and improve care services.