They always believed they’d make good parents, but the journey has become so much more than they ever imagined. 

For them, fostering means empowerment.  

“The children aren’t victims,” they say. “They’re survivors. And our job as foster carers is to give them a voice and remind them, every single day, that they matter. Their past doesn’t define their future.” 

Barrie vividly remembers the moment fostering became real for them both. “We were standing in Tesco during Foster Care Fortnight. I went over just to have a look … and suddenly it was all happening!” he says with a laugh. 

That journey includes something known as panel, a group of experienced professionals and independent members who take time to understand a carer’s application and help guide the approval decision. 

“Our assessment took a few months, but it actually helped us learn a lot about ourselves and what we could offer,” explains Barrie. 

Tony says: “Panel was emotional in a good way. You talk about your life and what shaped you, which feels quite personal - but it was also the moment we realised this was the beginning of something meaningful.” 

Their first child arrived a week before Christmas. “We cried,” Tony admits warmly. “He was someone else’s little boy … and suddenly you’re responsible for this whole life.”  

Barrie says: “When the professionals walk out the door, it’s just you. But it all comes naturally. We took the lad everywhere – the park, The Deep, zoos … It gave us a new lease of life, too.”  

Their first little boy eventually returned to live with his grandmother.  

“That was a lovely moment,” says Barrie. “Seeing him go back to family - that’s what it’s all about.” 

Family reunification has become a defining part of their work. “We’ve helped kids go home to mum, dad, grandparents,” Barrie says. “We’ve stayed in touch with their families, had picnics, Christmas visits … we’re still involved years later.”  

Even during the toughest chapter in their journey - when they faced a particularly hard time with a young person they deeply cared for – the pair still remained committed to the family. “It turned our world upside down,” Barrie says quietly. “But we worked through it – and we’re still in contact with his family.” 

Their home is absolutely bursting with life. They care for five children, including two boys experiencing a whole host of firsts: swimming lessons, wildlife parks, even their first Christmas dinner. “Everything is new to them,” Tony says. “And they’re thriving.” 

The couple chose the bandstand at People’s Park for their photograph because “so many of our kids have good memories there,” says Barrie. “We’ve had family days, ice creams, meet‑ups with birth parents… to us, it represents connection.” 

Their message to anyone considering fostering is simple: “Do the training, ask for help, and remember - it’s not babysitting,” Tony says. “It’s a life‑changing journey. For them, and for you.”