Western area Celebrates their Foster Carers at Retirement Event

7th October 2024

Our Fostering Service in the Western area recently celebrated an event at the Mellon Country Inn, Omagh to honour ten sets of foster carers who have retired after fostering hundreds of children between them.

The foster carers and their families enjoyed hearing each other’s experiences and reminiscing on their journey through the world of foster care. They were accompanied by family members and social workers who have supported them over the years.

Following a beautiful buffet, Clare McCallion, Principal social worker read touching renditions about all the foster carers’ experiences individually before they were awarded with engraved momentos and beautiful bouquets of flowers as tokens of gratitude.

Foster carers recognised

Marie Conway and her family from Omagh attended the event having dedicated over 34 years and cared for over 20 children in her fostering career.

Carmel McAleer from Omagh attended with her daughters and reflected on how she and her late

husband Pat loved their fostering role. Their daughter, Donna, read out a touching article about the positive impact fostering had for them as a family. Carmel and Pat fostered for almost 27 years and cared for over 80 children.

Peg and Seamus McSorley unfortunately couldn’t attend the event but were honoured for their dedication for 16 years to foster care. The couple worked in true partnership with all those who were important in the child’s life and afforded all the children a very nurturing experience.

Doreen Gordon travelled from Limavady for the event to share in the celebration. Bob and Doreen have been fostering for over 40 years and provided care for over 127 children. The couple maintain relationshi

ps with most of the children who came through their doors and become grandparents to the children.

Janet and Kenny Clements began fostering in October 1985. They have watched as their own children grew up while they foster

ed over 133 children, providing them with a lovely break in the Omagh countryside. They provided a strong support to other foster carers and gave such a lovely experience to children on the farm.

Stephen and Doreen Patterson, along with their sons, have been fostering since 2006. The family have provided numerous children in need with a joy filled break on the farm.

Paul and Mary Slevin from Enniskillen were delighted to be honoured at the event. Mary has not only been a busy foster carer, but also played a key role in advocating for foster carers and setting up the foster carers’ support group. Mary always believes that fostering is a community to help families.

Marshall and Muriel Wright travelled from Lisnaskea to join the celebration. The couple have offered foster care since 2007 and provided many children with short breaks. They have also provided long term homes and know the value of family.

Whilst Samantha and Graham Wilkie from Enniskillen and Katrina and Martin OHagan from Omagh were unable to attend the event, they were very much thought about on the day and best wishes were sent via their supervising social workers.

‘Thank you’

The event concluded with Catherine McKevitt, Head of Service for Fostering, thanking the foster carers for all their dedication and commitment to vulnerable children. The Service continues to value the home from home care provided by foster carers to children in foster care.