A FOSTER couple, who have cared for almost 100 children as if they were their own, have been honoured for their services to children and families in the Queen’s Birthday List.

Kind-hearted Ros and Warren Whalley, of Copeland Road, say they were ‘shocked’ when they received a letter from the Prime Minister to inform them of the news despite having fostered 95 babies.

Ros, aged 72, said: “Fostering was just something we looked into after having the children and we just love it. It is just about being able to give a baby a good start and giving them a loving home.

“We very much make them a part of the family so we have a very big extended family. We enjoy what we do and get pleasure from seeing the children grow up happy.”

For more than 40 years, Ros and Warren, aged 70, have opened their doors to those in need - some who are only hours old - and often with little or no notice.

Many of the babies are fostered in difficult circumstances but the couple are sensitive to this and make strenuous efforts to support the parents.

“You do get attached to them and it’s hard to see them go but you just want to see them thrive and you want what’s best for them,” said Ros.

The couple, who have four children, David, Glen, Carl and Sam and 10 grandchildren, have no plans to give up fostering caring any time soon.

“People either call me Ros or the lady with the pram. It’s just something we both enjoy doing and we don’t think about when we’ll stop.

“Warrington Fostering Services have been supportive over the years too and if anyone can offer a loving home, I would recommend looking into it.”

Clr Jean Carter, executive board member for children and young people, decribed the couple as ‘shining examples of foster carers who are a credit to themselves’.

She added: “On behalf of the council and foster care service I must say a huge congratulations to Ros and Warren on receiving this rather special honour.

“Ros and Warren have supported the council in recruiting new foster carers and are active members of the foster carer committee so I want to thank them for this and they thoroughly deserve this award.”