Couple Kate and Matt have been married for 15 years and have been fostering from their home in Aberporth, Ceredigion for the last three years. Learn more.
the foster family
Husband and wife Matt and Kate have always focused on their careers, but having a family was something they always wanted too.
“Unfortunately, having children of our own wasn’t something that life had planned for us. We’re lucky to have nieces and nephews, and godchildren who know us as Auntie Kate and Uncle Matt, but it’s not quite the same.”
The couple had wanted to explore adoption before they decided to foster.
“One day about three years ago, we were at the Cardigan Bay Food Festival and saw a stand about fostering and picked up a leaflet.”
“we just couldn’t wait to get started”
For Matt and Kate, fostering became their focus. Their commitment. The couple were over the moon to get their fostering journey started and wanted to welcome their foster children home as soon as possible.
“We were both excited and nervous at the same time. We didn’t know what direction our lives would be going in next. We just couldn’t wait to get started. Not long after that, we met our first long-term foster child, a little boy called Owen, and then a year later we were all joined by Angharad.”
Matt and Kate enjoyed both the challenges and incredible rewards as their foster journey began, and soon started to notice the changes in their foster children.
“I’m so glad they came to us, it’s wonderful to see the difference we’ve already made to their lives.
“It’s not all plain sailing – but it’s worth it”
Both Kate and Matt took to their new roles so quickly. Bringing compassion and care to both of their new foster children, encouraging them to thrive.
“They’ve gone from being quite distressed and withdrawn, to now growing into confident little characters. They’re both doing really well at school and they get involved in after-school clubs.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all plain sailing – not at all – but it’s worth all the time and effort in the world to see how happy they are now. We’re so glad we made the decision to foster.”
They’ve been supported throughout by our local team here in Ceredigion. It’s our mission and our purpose to be there, however we’re needed.
“We couldn’t have done it without the support we get from our Local Authority fostering team. They make us feel part of a team. I’m so glad we went to the Cardigan Bay Food Festival that day three years ago.”
want to start your own fostering story?
Has reading Kate and Matt’s story inspired you to start your own journey into fostering? We’d love to hear from you. Get in touch today, and let’s get started.
want to learn more?
Find out more about fostering and what it could mean for you.
Our fostering success stories are based on the real-life experiences of Local Authority Foster Carers in Wales. To protect their privacy, and the privacy of the children and young people to whom they provide care, love, and support, all the names have been changed and actors have stepped in to help us tell their amazing stories.
