Clacton mum that has been fostering children since 2004 says it is a "rewarding" experience
Essex County Council are encouraging people to "change a child's life" by considering fostering this festive season
Clacton foster carer Kim Shears says that fostering is "rewarding", and comes with moments she will "never forget"
Kim has fostered children in Essex since 2004, describing it as her calling. With six grown-up birth children and three foster children, her home is always full of life - but it’s at Christmas that fostering’s magic shines brightest.
"Christmas can be a very difficult time for young children coming into care," Kim said. "They haven't always had positive experiences. Some of them don't truly know what Christmas is all about."
"I had a 16 year old lad come to me. He'd never had a Christmas stocking, so we brought him his one with his name on.
"He'd gone from a 16 year old lad to like a three year old little boy. That magic was there for him, and he was so chuffed.
"Fostering can give you a real sense of satisfaction and pride in the children.
"I had one little girl, we went fruit picking and she was halfway up a plum tree, and she turned around and said: 'I didn't know life could be this good'. When the children say things like that, that's what makes it all worthwhile."
Visit the Essex County Council fostering website or get in touch with their team to see how you could change a child’s life, and your own: https://www.essex.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families/fostering