Norma and Derek Gosling are proud to be some of Tameside Council's longest-serving foster carers and are celebrating an incredible 30 years of service.

Last month, they attended Tameside’s Foster Carer Celebration event to receive their milestone award from the Civic Mayor, Councillor Janet Cooper.

Thirty years ago and with five sons between them, the couple were inspired by friends who fostered, asking themselves ‘Could we as a family change a young persons life? Make it a happy life? Be part of our family?’.

The Goslings rose to the challenge and fostered a teenage girl, who they are still in touch with. Talking of their family that continued to grow through fostering, they said ‘She became part of our family and still is, our families were very supportive and still are to this day’.

Speaking of why they chose to open their home and their hearts, the Goslings say ‘no one likes to see a child or young person unhappy so the best thing about fostering is making a happy home with stability, clear boundaries, routine, lots of love, regular meals and lots of laughter’.

To anyone considering fostering, Norma and Derek encourage others to ‘DO IT!’

They say ‘it’s not easy - it’s hard work at times, but very rewarding. Oh one last thing. These lovely young people can’t half make a good brew’.

Councillor Bill Fairfoull, Tameside Council Deputy Leader and executive member for Children and Families, said: “It was fantastic to come together and celebrate the achievements of our foster carers, recognising the valuable work they do in supporting cared for children within Tameside.

"I would like to offer my personal thanks to the Gosling family on an incredible achievement and to all our Tameside Foster Carers who dedicate their lives to children within the borough. We encourage others to come forward who feel they can offer loving homes to local children and find out more about becoming part of our amazing network of foster carers.”

Tameside Council is looking for people from all backgrounds to become foster carers for local children and provides full training, support and an allowance. If you are over 21, have a spare room and lots of love to give, you can call 0161 342 2342 or complete an online enquiry form at tameside.gov.uk/fostering. 

Read more from the Tameside Reporter

Click here for more of the latest news

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online

Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper