A Black Country foster couple who have been caring for children for more than 30 years were recently celebrated for their work.

Peter and Pat Coyne have provided short-break foster care for dozens of children and young people – despite also looking after their own disabled son before he passed away.

The pair are currently the longest-serving foster carers with Halesowen-based Barnardo’s Midlands Overnight Short Breaks scheme.

To thank Peter and Pat, as well as the other foster carers across the region, Barnardo’s put on an evening at Brierley Hill’s Copthorne Hotel where they were able to share their experiences and be thanked for their efforts.

Even though the Kingswinford grandparents had their own disabled son to look after when they started their fostering journey, the duo thought becoming carers would allow them to give something back to the community.

Peter, 72, said: “Our late son had cerebral palsy so we were involved with a local club for children with special needs, where a community nurse asked if we would be interested in supporting a new short-breaks service which was then being run by the local authority.

“We thought it would be a nice way for the two of us to work together in our own home, allowing us to give something back to the community.

“You definitely need a sense of humour, a lot of patience and a lot of love but all of the children have a special place in our hearts.”

The couple are currently caring for two children; one comes for tea on two evenings each week, and the other stays overnight once a week.

Their house includes a separate room which they call ‘the den’, which is set aside for the children for them to watch television or play games.

Pat, 69, said: “Parents entrust you with their precious child so you have to earn their respect and their trust, but they are so grateful for the support – there was absolutely nothing like this kind of service when we were younger.

“It gives parents some valuable time to take care of their other children who can sometimes be left out due to the demands of looking after a disabled sibling.

“Life-long friendships are established and we still keep in touch with many of the families long after their children have grown up.

“We cared for one child from when he was a baby on oxygen, up until he was a strapping teenager. You watch them grow up and they become like a part of your own family too.”

Sadly, Peter and Pat have provided care to seriously ill children who have passed away in the night, but this hasn’t stopped them from continuing to support other families.

Peter said: “It still hurts but you have to remember the highs as well as the lows. You share in a young person’s sense of achievement when they leave school, and it’s so nice when you see them in the street and they still come over every time to say hello.

“Our own children have benefitted as well. They were all wonderful kids but they’ve grown up to be better people because they’ve shared their lives with so many others. They’ve shared their mum and dad.

“They’ve gained a greater understanding of what some other people have to go through and they’ve all gone into caring professions as a result.”

Pat added: “Foster care is one of the most rewarding things which you could ever do, and it gives us a purpose to get up in the morning.

“Support is always available from Barnardo’s if we need it and we’re always in close contact with other carers.

“It’s a fantastic service.”

For more information about becoming a Barnardo’s foster carer call 0121 550 1222, or email mosb@barnardos.org.uk

The organisation provides a full induction and training programme, payment of expenses and ongoing regular support from a social worker, with all potential carers undergoing an enhanced DBS check.