Lol and Sue Hepworth, foster carers from Saltburn, have been opening their home and hearts to children for nearly two decades. Their journey into fostering was deeply personal — shaped by Lol’s own experience of being abandoned as a baby, adopted, and raised within the care system.

“We wanted to give a little bit back,” said Lol. “I was brought up in care and saw the pitfalls first-hand. When we moved to Saltburn, we felt the time was right to make a positive difference to the lives of young people.”

Originally from London’s East End, Lol describes fostering as both rewarding and challenging.

“We fostered a girl for two years and she’s planning to name her child after us — it doesn’t get any better than that,” he said. “But there have also been tough moments, like driving to Newcastle in the middle of the night to find a missing child.”

Sue agrees that while fostering comes with its challenges, the rewards far outweigh them.

“It’s heartbreaking when a child goes missing. You don’t know where they are or what’s happening, and the police have to get involved. All you want is for them to be safe,” she said.

Despite the challenges, the couple have seen many children thrive under their care.

“Even when children don’t want to be in the system, you can find common ground. We fostered a girl who we still see regularly — I’m going to an ABBA tribute night with her soon. She’s a complete darling.”

Lol and Sue previously fostered through a private fostering agency but now work with the council — a move they say has made a big difference.

“The council’s service is much more joined-up,” said Sue. “The training is better and more local, which is easier for us and better for the children.”

Cllr Bill Suthers, Cabinet Member for Children, explained:

“The number of children in the care of the local authority has increased dramatically over the last decade which has led to a shortage in foster carers.

“The council is looking for foster carers like Sue and Lol to place local children in high quality local foster placements, where they have a stable home environment and the support to help them grow, develop and realise their potential.

“Anyone wishing to take up fostering will receive comprehensive support from the council.”

When asked what advice they’d give to someone considering fostering, their message is clear:

“Just go for it,” said Lol.

“You get a mentor, comprehensive training, and honest support from the staff,” added Sue. “They won’t throw you in at the deep end.”

Now nearly 80 years old, Lol has no plans to stop.

“I’ll carry on fostering for as long as I can,” he said.

If you think you can make a difference to the life of a young person, please call 0800 9177771 or email contact@fosterwithnortheast.org.uk