Islington foster carer awarded MBE for 30 years of care

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Islington foster carer Chris Meadows has been awarded an MBE for services to fostering.

Chris, who has been a foster carer in Islington for 30 years, has fostered over 80 children in Islington and her care has had a huge impact on their lives.

She and her husband Peter currently foster children under the age of five, but have provided emergency, respite and long term placements for children up to 16.

Chris visited Buckingham Palace on Thursday, 7 December with Peter, her daughter and granddaughter to receive their award from Prince Charles.

Chris said: “It was a lovely day at the Palace and meeting Prince Charles. Fostering is a really rewarding experience and it’s nice to be able to make change to a child’s life.

“You learn things from every child that your foster – each one teaches you how to be a better foster parent for the next.”

An active member of the Islington Association for Foster Carers, Chris has served as a committee member and organised holidays and trips for Islington’s looked-after children. She acts as a liaison for carers in need of financial support, and has helped inform local carers of the tax benefits they are eligible for.

Chris added: “I was inspired to get into fostering by my parents, who fostered children in Harrow for 30 years too. I’d like to thank my husband Peter for being there with me, I could not have done this without him. We sadly lost our son earlier this year, but I know he would have been very proud of this achievement.”

Cllr Joe Caluori, executive member for children and families, said: “Chris has made a huge difference to the lives of many children in Islington and the recognition she has received for her care is truly deserved. I am very grateful for the work that Chris has done for foster children over the past 30 years.

“Anyone considering becoming a foster carer in Islington is encouraged to get in touch with us and find out more.”

If you are interested in making a difference to an Islington child's life then please call Islington Fostering on 0800 073 0428 or send an email to fostering@islington.gov.uk.