Foster carers honoured for decades of 'dedication'

Two foster carers have been honoured for their "selfless dedication" to looking after some of the most vulnerable children in society.

Christopher and Denise Mitchell, from the Derbyshire Dales, were awarded a British Citizen Award at the Palace of Westminster last week.

The couple, both 70, first adopted three children with Down's syndrome before going on to foster newborn babies straight from hospital.

Denise said the children "gave us so much more than we gave them" and described it as the "most rewarding experience".

Speaking to BBC Radio Derby about their decision to adopt more than 40 years ago, Denise, who worked in a hospital for people with learning disabilities, said: "I wanted to give them a life that the people I worked with didn't have really.

"We decided together that if we are ever lucky enough to have our own children and have some more, we would love to adopt children with Down's syndrome to give them a better life."

Denise and Christopher then decided to foster as a way to continue to help children into families.

Over a 14-year period, they fostered 12 children for a year at a time.

The couple, who retired in 2021, still hear from their foster children and Denise said it was like "having loads of grandchildren".

"It has been so lovely to watch them grow up, thrive with their families and be happy," she added.

Christopher, a former social worker, said it was humbling to be at the ceremony and hear the "phenomenal" stories of other award recipients.

He hoped the news of their award would encourage others to consider becoming foster carers.

"We went to the presentation and it was just phenomenal - the back stories of all the folks who have done such a lot for the community and society at large. We are very humbled," he said.

"But equally what would be so great is if anybody hearing this picks up either the phone or writes to Derbyshire County Council and gets information about doing this for their own family for the benefit of other young people."

Sam Redfern, the county council's cabinet member for children and families, said the couple were an "inspiration".

He said: "I'd like to thank them for their selfless dedication to helping all children, regardless of their abilities, to thrive and would encourage others to think about following in their footsteps to provide loving, caring homes for Derbyshire children when they need it most."

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.