Kem and Eric's Story

Kem and Eric Gowthorpe have cared for over seven children in their 13 years of fostering and provide rich and rural life on their farm to the children and young people that they foster. Currently, the couple cares for two teenagers, aged 13 and 17.

Kem said: “What keeps you going is that little smile, it’s heartwarming. When you’ve done something for them and when you make them happy, we take a lot of satisfaction from that.

“To us, family means everything, we all need each other and we all help each other. We are all equal and I think that’s all you need, love and trust.

“It’s important that children have roots and a place that they can come back to.

“Fostering hasn’t really changed our lives, you just get on with it, like we do with our own children. It’s no different.”

Eric added: “It’s always a busy house, with the animals to feed as well, we’re never short of a job, there’s always something to do, but we do it all together as a family and we all muck in.”

Kem said: “You can’t take fostering lightly, you’ve got to be there and you’ve got to be a support for them and you’ve got to be strong.

“There's no such thing as a bad child, it’s what life’s made them. If you can help them on their way, that’s the wonderful thing about fostering.”

If you've been inspired by Kem and Eric to take your next step, then speak to our team today.