Foster carers get royal approval for their years of service
There were early new year celebrations for two couples who have been fostering children in St Helens Borough as they have both been recognised for the dedication to supporting children.
Article date: 30th December 2025
Sue and Dave Cook have been given MBEs and Jackie and Norman Lowe have been given British Empire Medals (BEM) in the King's New Years Honour List for their services to fostering for St Helens Borough Council.
Sue and Dave Cook, from Sutton Manor, have been fostering for more than 20 years and have supported more than 60 children during that time.
Sue said: "We couldn't believe it when we received the letter from the Cabinet Office to tell us we had been nominated. It's such an honour to be recognised, but the real prize for us is seeing how the children we have cared for go on to flourish in life. We got into fostering through a friend who did it and we thought how we'd love to do the same and got in touch with the council's fostering service to find out more. This is such a rewarding experience and I would absolutely encourage anyone who thinks they could give it a go to get in touch with Foster 4.
"We really love that we can support children keep as much stability by being placed in foster care here in their home town, where they can stay in their schools and maintain their usual friendships. It makes a real difference to them to have that and we're delighted to be able to provide them that for as long as they need. So if you think you could do it, what are you waiting for?"
Jackie and Norman Lowe have been awarded their BEM after becoming foster carers for St Helens Borough Council in 2002, all while Jackie has worked full time through that period and they have gone on to provide long-term support for the young people they cared for even after the age of 18.
They said: "We are both honoured to receive the award British Empire Medal in the King Charles New Years Honours list in recognition of our commitment to our fostering and thank you to St Helens Borough Council for the nomination.
"This reflects our journey as foster carers from supporting other carers, short term placements and long term fostering for St Helens Borough Council. We are extremely grateful to all of our family who have supported us along the way, being there for us and allowing to focus our time to provide the care for the young people placed with us. As a family we have a whole team approach that enables us to focus on providing care and support throughout the complexity and challenges of fostering. We would like to give a special mention to Sharon Atrill from the fostering team who has consistently been with us and provided the right level of care and support for us. We are so proud."
Councillor Nova Charlton, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "A huge congratulations to both Dave and Sue and Jackie and Norman for their well-deserved honours. Fostering is an amazing way to make a difference to young people's lives and we are so fortunate to have people like them supporting our families. They have helped positively shape so many lives with their selfless dedication to supporting young people and this recognition shows how appreciated they are."
Paula Swindlehurst, Director for Children's Services at St Helens Borough Council, added: "Our wonderful foster carers make a huge difference to the lives of children in need of support here in St Helens Borough and this honour for Dave, Sue, Jackie and Norman is thoroughly deserved. If you're inspired by their story to make a difference we are always in need of new foster carers to come forward. Many people think they are not eligible to foster but we encourage anyone interested to speak to Foster 4 first to find out more as fostering is open to a wide range of people."
To find out more about fostering visit Foster4 | Foster Carer Recruitment Service | Cheshire and Merseyside