Our Amazing Foster Carer Christine Lunn is Awarded an MBE for her Services to Fostering

Our very own Rotherham foster carer Christine Lunn, 74, from North Anston, has received an MBE from The Duke of Cambridge for her services to fostering. 

Christine, shortly after receiving her award at Buckingham Palace.

Christine attended the ceremony with her daughter, granddaughter and sister. Christine has been a foster carer for over 44 years and in that time has fostered more than 250 babies and children from the Rotherham area.

Christine was presented with her award at the royal investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on the 19th November 2019. Christine remarked: “He [The Duke of Cambridge] said he can't believe I've looked after so many children and said he doesn't know how I've done it. I can't imagine doing anything else." She went on to say: “I’m getting this award for something I absolutely love to do.”

Christine and her late husband, Peter, began fostering in 1975 when their daughter was 6 years old, they continued to foster after their son came along. Peter sadly passed away in 2017 and Christine explains that they were a great team: “my husband got involved in everything. He used to say ‘I’m the bottle washer - that’s my job’ We did it as a family”. 

Christine has fostered many children of various ages, although the majority have been babies. The foster babies and children have stayed with her for varying lengths of time - from a weekend to as long as 5 and a half years.  Christine explains: “the fact that the first child we ever fostered is now 44, has her own family and is a grandma is just amazing. It is lovely to see them grow up, succeed and have a happy life - knowing you have been part of it.”

On receiving the award, Sally Hodges, Interim Strategic Director of Children & Young People’s Services at Rotherham Council said: “Christine’s dedication and selfless approach to foster care has changed the lives of hundreds of local children for the better – and I can think of no more deserving recipient of this honour. Christine is one of an amazing army of Rotherham foster carers that provide the right conditions for young people to be healthy, safe and achieve their potential in life. We hope Christine’s achievements will inspire more people to be part of Rotherham’s fostering family.”

Debbie Willis, Fostering Team Manager who was previously Christine’s supervising social worker said: “She is a very nurturing foster carer who has shown a great deal of commitment to children, young people and their families in Rotherham. Her positivity and professionalism is second to none! She is a pleasure to work with and know.

Helen Dean, Christine’s current supervising social worker said: “Christine’s warmth and care for others extends to all who meet her and her passion for fostering through highs and lows has inspired me. 40 years on I don’t dare to guess how many cardigans she has knitted but I do know that her kindness and non-judgemental approach to working with children and their families has made the difference for so many. I’d also like to thank all of Christine’s friends and family, who have supported her along the way. The Rotherham Community and Rotherham Fostering Team are proud to work alongside you Christine, thank you.”

When asked if she would recommend foster caring, Christine replied: “If you have love in your heart, time, patience and the space - for me I tell people to go ahead and do it. I would recommend it to anyone… I love children and making a difference to other children's lives. I am so proud to get this recognition, but it’s not what I do it for. I do it because I love doing it.”

Christine, from all of us at Fostering Rotherham, thank you and congratulations on your award.