'Mum to many' celebrates 50 years of fostering

A dedicated foster carer has marked a milestone after caring for more than 200 children over the past five decades.

Christine Lunn, 80, who was recognised for her services to fostering with an MBE in 2019, was celebrated at a special event held at Rotherham Town Hall.

Mrs Lunn, from North Anston, said she had been taken to the event to celebrate "under false pretences" and could not believe it was organised in her honour.

"It was a complete and utter shock," she told the BBC, "I think if anyone had pushed me, I would have dropped to the floor."

Mrs Lunn was told the event last week was an award ceremony for a friend but spotted friends, family and foster children from the past and present when she arrived.

"I just didn't know what to do, my legs went to jelly," she said.

"I get quite emotional when I think about it. It was an absolutely fantastic afternoon."

Mrs Lunn was presented with a gift by Rotherham's mayor on behalf of the borough and many shared stories of how "Auntie Christine" had shaped their lives, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Among those was Jane, the first child Mrs Lunn fostered, who spent six weeks in her care as a baby.

Jane said: "She's just amazing with what she does.

"I'm a parent-of-three and it's hard work so to keep on doing what she's doing at her age, it's the next level."

Mrs Lunn's fostering journey began with her late husband Peter in 1975, when their daughter was just six.

To date, Mrs Lunn has looked after more than 250 children, and said it was "seeing the happy outcomes" that kept her going.

Rotherham councillor Victoria Cusworth said: "There is nothing I can say that will come close to demonstrating the gratitude we owe Christine for her dedication to children and young people, but the world is simply a much better place because of her."

Mrs Lunn, who received the BBC's Make a Difference Carers Award in 2023, said she was still not ready to retire.

"I feel so lucky to have been able to carry on this long," she said.

"I just wish I was 20 years younger and I had 20 years to do."

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