She and her late partner Ray raised two sons together, enjoying busy family holidays and a bustling home that was always full of fun and laughter. 

Ray had a natural love for children, and although the couple often spoke about fostering once their own kids had grown up, it was something he never got the chance to do.  

Today, Bev carries that shared dream forward, knowing Ray would have loved what she’s doing now. 

The grandma-of-four's fostering story began after spotting an advert on her Facebook feed. “I just thought, the time is now”, she remembers. She wanted to foster locally, so contacted North East Lincolnshire Council - and that’s where her journey truly began.  

Eight years later, Bev still lights up when she speaks about her first foster child. “She was 15 when she came - so well‑mannered, no trouble whatsoever. I always say I struck gold with my first,” she says. 

Bev prepared a welcome pack for her, carefully thought through “in case she didn’t want to talk at first.” But they did talk. For hours. “She was a pleasure to have for my first. I loved every minute.” 

For Bev, fostering is rooted in simple values. “To me, it means I’m helping - and I’m also learning. Every day’s a school day.” She treats every child like part of her family. “I bring them in and treat them as mine … that’s just what I do,” she shrugs. 

Of course, there have been challenges. One child struggled emotionally, and Bev had to find new ways to reach her. She turned to books, creative tools, and patience.  

“We worked together … and came through it,” she says, proud of the resilience they found together. 

That progress became clear in a moment Bev will never forget - when the child really began to accept themself. 

The support along the way has meant everything. Bev fondly remembers her fostering buddy from her early days: “She was always on the end of the phone, very knowledgeable.” And the wider fostering team? “Amazing. I know I can ring them anytime,” she beams. 

If she could offer one piece of advice to someone considering fostering, it is simply: “to be patient. Be kind. We haven’t gone through what these children have gone through.” 

Her chosen photo location says it all. During lockdown, she and her foster child would walk up to Cottager’s Plot at Laceby to see the horses. “Both of us grew so close on those trips … the plot means a lot to me.” 

Bev’s own happy, laughter‑filled childhood went a long way to shape her natural warmth today - and she carries that forward. “If I can see just one smile on their face… that’s everything.”