Inspiring Foster Carer, Christine Lunn, celebrated five decades of looking after children in Rotherham at a special event held at the Town Hall.
Foster children, friends, family and members of staff from Rotherham Council gathered to show their appreciation for everything Christine has done to support Rotherham children.
As one of the longest serving foster carers in the country, Christine has cared for and supported an estimated 250 children over her fostering career.
Christine’s fostering journey began with her late husband Peter in 1975, and in 2025 she’s not thinking of retiring yet. In 2019, Christine was recognised for her services to fostering with an MBE and she also received the BBC’s Make a Difference Carers Award in 2023.
At the event, Rotherham’s Mayor presented Christine with a gift on behalf of the borough while Christine’s friends, foster children and family shared their stories of ‘Auntie Christine’.
Christine’s first foster baby, Jane, was one of those attending the event. Jane spent six weeks in Christine’s care but kept in touch with her over the years. Jane said: “I used to go over on birthdays and Christmas. Once I officially got properly adopted, that’s when my mum and dad used to take me back to Christine’s, so it’s always been Auntie Christine. She’s just amazing with what she does. I’m a parent of three and it’s hard work so to keep on doing what she’s doing at her age, it’s the next level.”
Former Social Worker, Barbara Daughtry, worked with Christine to place children in her care and said: “Christine is an amazing lady, she’s second to none really. It gives her so much joy and she gives so much to the children. The babies I placed with her when I was a social worker, you had no doubt whatsoever that they were going to get the best care. The fact that all these children have lots of contact with her after they’ve moved on says a lot.”
Christine’s own daughter was six years old when she started fostering, and Christine and her husband continued to foster after they adopted their son. The family offered children a place to stay for a weekend while others stayed with them for years.
Rotherham’s Cabinet Member for Childrens and Young People’s Services, Cllr Victoria Cusworth, said: “Christine is a truly inspiring lady who, along with her late husband, have spent the last 50 years serving our community. They chose to step up many, many times to help those who needed love, care and support.
“There is nothing I can say that will come close to demonstrating the gratitude we owe Christine for her dedication to children and young people, but the world is simply a much better place because of her.”
If you’re interested in supporting a young person by becoming a Foster Carer, talk to the team at Fostering Rotherham. Find out more at www.fosteringrotherham.com.