Linda Garforth has been honoured for 35 years of dedication as a foster carer in Oldham, having looked after more than 200 children since May 1991.

The 68-year-old was one of 22 foster families recognised at Oldham Council's annual fostering celebration evening, held at the Oldham Event Centre at Oldham Athletic FC. The event brought together around 70 foster carers and 30 fostering staff.

Long Service Awards

The 22 long service award winners have collectively provided 250 years of fostering across Oldham. Linda received a certificate, flowers and a gift voucher in recognition of her commitment, presented by the Mayor of Oldham Cllr Pam Byrne.

Linda has provided long-term, short-term and respite placements, and has adopted one of the children in her care. She is currently caring for a seven-month-old baby and has looked after children from 30 hours old to teenagers.

She said: "I have looked after children from just 30 hours old to teenagers. The most rewarding thing about being a foster carer is knowing that you have made a difference and seeing someone who has arrived withdrawn leave you with good memories."

Linda became a foster carer at age 34 after spotting an advert in a newspaper. Both of her twin daughters, Christine and Catherine, have followed her into fostering — Christine since 2008 and Catherine since 2020.

She explained: "I was always minding friends' kids and thought 'there are children that need more than looking after. I realised I could make a real difference. After 200 children I stopped counting."

Other Awards

The celebration evening, now in its fourteenth year, also presented five special awards: the Special Recognition Award 2026, the New Foster Carer Award 2026, Kinship Carer Award 2026, the Outstanding Contribution to Foster Children with Complex Needs Award and the Outstanding Contribution to Fostering Award 2026.

Nick Whitbread, Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting for Oldham Council, said: "Our foster carers provide stability, care and encouragement to some of our most vulnerable children and young people. This celebration evening is a chance to recognise their dedication and thank them for the enormous difference they make to families across Oldham."

Lisa Oates, Head of Service for Adoption and Fostering, added: "Foster carers are at the heart of everything we do. This event is about recognising their hard work, celebrating their successes and showing our appreciation for the care, compassion and support they provide throughout the year."

Become a Foster Carer

Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer can visit www.oldham.gov.uk/fostering or call 0300 303 0321 for more information.