From Heartbreak to Hope: My Journey as a Foster Carer

A Mother’s Love – Turning Pain into Purpose

“After losing my son to knife crime, I became a foster carer to help young people see their worth, make better choices, and believe in a brighter future.”

Why I Chose to Foster

My journey into fostering began after the devastating loss of my beautiful son, Stefan.

Just weeks after celebrating his 18th birthday, Stefan’s life was tragically taken by knife crime. He had a kind and loving soul — full of joy, compassion, and hope for the future.

In the aftermath of his death, I connected with other families who had also lost loved ones to violence. I began to notice a heartbreaking pattern — many of the young people involved in knife and gun crime were children in care, or had grown up without the guidance, structure, and love that every child deserves.

That realisation sparked something in me. I couldn’t change what had happened to my son, but I could honour his memory by helping other young people find their way. That’s when I decided to become a foster carer.

Making a Difference, One Child at a Time

Since becoming a foster carer, I’ve had the privilege of supporting several young people.

One of the first was a teenage girl who had been involved in a gang. At first, she was guarded and mistrustful — she’d been let down too many times. But over time, through patience, open conversations, and consistent love, she began to change.

She’s now a mother, living a positive and stable life. Watching her transformation fills me with pride and reminds me why fostering matters so deeply.

I currently care for two boys, JH and NH, who are both vulnerable and easily influenced. I see great potential in them — they just need steady guidance, encouragement, and care. I’m committed to walking with them as they grow into young men, helping them make positive choices and believe in their futures.

Creating Hope Through Love and Loss

After Stefan’s death, my family and I founded a support group called Love and Loss — a safe space for families who have lost loved ones through murder or manslaughter.

It’s a place of understanding, healing, and community — where people can share their stories without fear of judgment.

Through Love and Loss, we also work with young people affected by knife crime. Many have lost friends and carry silent pain. We help them talk, reflect, and rebuild — reminding them that their voices matter and that there is always hope.

Stefan’s Legacy Lives On

Fostering has given my grief a purpose.

Every young person I care for is a reminder that love, patience, and guidance can transform a life. I can’t save everyone, but if I can help even one young person choose a better path, then Stefan’s light continues to shine through everything I do.

“Through fostering, I’ve found a way to turn heartbreak into hope — and to keep my son’s beautiful spirit alive by helping others.”

Love and Loss

“Through Love and Loss, and through fostering, I’ve turned heartbreak into hope, creating safe spaces for healing, growth, and new beginnings.”

Strength Through Compassion

“Out of my deepest pain came a new purpose — to give vulnerable children like JH the love, care, and direction they deserve.”

Love and Legacy

“I couldn’t save my son, but through fostering, I can guide the boys and keep his loving spirit alive in everything I do.”

Are you thinking about fostering?