South Anston woman who fostered 250 children awarded Rotherham’s highest civic honour
Christine Lunn MBE was formally made an Honorary Freewoman of the Borough of Rotherham
Last updated 16th Mar 2026
A South Anston woman who has fostered more than 250 children over five decades has been awarded the borough’s highest civic honour.
Christine Lunn MBE was formally made an Honorary Freewoman of the Borough of Rotherham at a meeting of the council’s full assembly on March 13.
Councillor Rukhsana Ismail, Mayor of Rotherham, said that Mrs Lunn was a ‘role model,’ and told the meeting: “She’s absolutely amazing. Her passion, her love for what she does – i’ve never seen it before. To carry out a service like that is absolutely amazing. She is a role model for each and every one of us in Rotherham.”
The proposal was put forward by Councillor Victoria Cusworth, cabinet member for children and young people’s services, and received the support of councillors.
“Christine’s home has been a place of belonging for babies, toddlers, teenagers and children with complex needs,” councillor Cusworth told the meeting.
“Some stayed for a weekend, others for years, but they’re all left with the imprint of Christine’s care and compassion.
“Impact cannot be measured by numbers alone. It lives in memories, in milestones, and perhaps most importantly, in the quiet confidence she instilled in so many children who just needed someone to believe in them.
“To foster for 50 years is to shape the story of a whole community. Christine still has no plans to retire, and she says it’s the happy outcomes that keep her going. She’ll continue for as long as she is able to give children the love and security they deserve. I think I can speak on behalf of the whole chamber when I say that you humble us all.”
Responding to the honour, Mrs Lunn said: “Thank you so much for this honor, and thank you to Madam Mayor and everyone here today. I honestly never imagined anything like this when myself and Peter first started fostering all those years ago.
“The real honor for me has always been the children and the babies all come through our door, shared our home and our family life.
“We were privileged to have looked after so many children together, and I feel so lucky that I could continue to do this today and be part of their story. I simply tried to offer a safe place and plenty of love. Over the years, they they’ve given me, far more than I could ever give them.
“It has truly been one of the greatest privileges of my life.”
Mrs Lunn began fostering with her late husband Peter in 1975.
Over the past 50 years, she has cared for more than 250 children, offering homes to some of the borough’s most vulnerable young people.
She has continued to support children in care and advocate for more people to become foster carers, and her work has been recognised nationally.
Mrs Lunn was awarded an MBE in 2019 for services to fostering and later received the BBC Make a Difference Carers Award.
The Freedom of the Borough is the highest civic honour that Rotherham Council can grant.
It is reserved for individuals who have made an outstanding and lasting contribution to the borough and its residents.
Mrs Lunn now joins a small group of recipients recognised for exceptional service to the community.