THE commitment and unwavering support of Hillingdon’s foster carers have been honoured. 

The council’s Foster Carer Appreciation Event celebrated carers with a combined total of 120 years’ experience in a ceremony at the Battle of Britain Centre, Uxbridge. 

Amanda and Peter Botterill and Lynne and Michael Moore were each recognised for 25 years’ service. 

Satinder and Jagmohan Gill were honoured for 15 years, while Bernadette and Christopher Hills-Scott, Rachel and Andy Langford and Garry and Elise Simkins received awards for 10 years’ service.

Kerriann and Carl Follett, Mary and Kerry Hennessy, Vanda Hewett, Jeanette Isaacs and Julie Reynolds were all recognised for five years of fostering. 

They received their awards from Cllr Heena Makwana, chairman of the council’s Children, Families and Education Select Committee, and Emma Kavanagh, Assistant Director for Corporate Parenting and Fostering. 

Satinder and Jagmohan, from Uxbridge, have fostered 37 children.

Satinder said: “You have to put in a lot of time, but it’s very rewarding just to see them grow and change. The house is full of laughter and giggles.

“It’s lovely and brings your house to life. I just love looking after children and it’s very rewarding to see them thriving. 

“We’re really proud to be part of the borough and I’ve been really well supported by the council for the last 15 years.” 

Garry, from Eastcote, was recognised alongside his late wife Elise. Together, they had fostered 16 children.

He said: “We had time to do it, a good family home and a loving family and we thought we had something to offer children in need.  

“Every child has left us, I believe, better than when they arrived.” 

A further eight awards were also presented. They recognised foster carers who have gone above and beyond in supporting children in remarkable ways. 

Roy and Filomena Taylor, from Hillingdon, won the Exceptional Care Award. They are currently caring for four children and have fostered more than 20 in the past 13 years. 

Filomena said: “We enjoy seeing the children progress, providing them with a home and just giving them the love and nurturing they need.” 

Roy added: “When you’re doing the school run and the child starts holding your hand, it’s so monumental you’re making that link and that bond with them.” 

Since the council launched its campaign to recruit more foster carers in May with an unrivalled payment and benefits package, it has received more than 100 inquiries. 

www.hillingdon.gov.uk/fostering