Selfless foster carer in line for top award

BEV Burston, who has been short-listed for a national care award

A WOMAN from Saddleworth has been shortlisted for a national award after going "above and beyond" in delivering care.

Hundreds of nominations were put forward for the Towergate Care Awards which recognises those providing outstanding care.

Bev Burston (56) has been selected for the final three in the Fostering Contribution of the Year category. Bev and her husband Joe have been fostering for more than 14 years.

She said: "I am completely overwhelmed at learning I have made the finals.

"It's been a tough few years, but I have had the support of family, friends and everyone at Safehouses Fostering, and for that I am thankful.

"It has taken a while for the news to sink in. I consider it an honour to be able to foster and my husband and I are so proud of all the children we have been lucky enough to include in our family."

Bev and Joe have overcome personal issues in recent years and despite this, they have committed their lives to full-time fostering.

Bev was also selected for the award because she has continued to share her experience with other foster carers, offering support and advice to those less experienced.

Kirsty Wainwright-Noble, from Towergate, said: "We were astounded by the number of entries we received and it wasn't easy to narrow down the nominations as they were all incredibly deserving in their own right.

"We believe the shortlisted individuals have demonstrated the highest level of excellence in care and deserve their moment in the spotlight."

The awards, in their second year, will be hosted by former Channel 4 presenter Denise Van Outen.

She said: "We've seen some phenomenal entries and I've been moved by many of the stories I've read.

"I am excited to meet the shortlisted carers at the awards ceremony and am really looking forward to hearing more about each of their remarkable stories.

"The event will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate those who deserve recognition for their outstanding contribution to the care industry."

Winners of all 10 categories will be revealed at a lunchtime event held at The Dorchester hotel on Thursday, March 23.