Celebrating an Incredible Fostering Journey: Congratulations to Sharon & Bryan

Sharon and Bryan retire this week after more than a decade of dedication, care, and life-changing impact on children across Lincolnshire.

Since beginning their fostering journey in 2013, Sharon and Bryan have opened their home and hearts to children who needed stability, care, and compassion, making an immeasurable difference along the way.

Reflecting on their time as foster carers, Sharon and Bryan shared:

“Now aged 70 and 76, we’ve made the decision to fully retire from fostering. Siblings Ty and Tee came to us aged 5 and 6 and have been with us for the past 12 years.

Both children had their challenges but with the support of social workers, schools, family, and friends, we worked through them together.”

Today, Ty and Tee are thriving young adults, real examples of what consistent care and support can help achieve.

Ty, now 19, completed two years college studying Carpentry and Joinery after finishing his GCSEs. He passed his driving test last year and now has his own car. Currently working for a holiday leisure company, he is also progressing through the RAF application process.

Tee, 18, has successfully completed a two-year college course studying Health and Social Care alongside Leisure & Tourism, while also achieving her GCSE Maths and English qualifications. She is now taking exciting next steps, applying for an apprenticeship at a local nursery.

“They are both now Care Leavers,” Sharon and Bryan added, “and it seems they want to stay with us!

We are so proud of their achievements and the young adults they have become and look forward to seeing them blossom in the future and continue being part of our family.”

Now, with a little more time on their hands, Bryan is looking forward to more fishing trips and Sharon is doing volunteering twice a week locally.

Nicola Brangam, Head of Service for Fostering & Adoption at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Foster carers like Sharon and Bryan make an extraordinary difference every single day, and we are incredibly grateful for the lasting impact they have made on the lives of the children they have supported and the clear impact of their enduring relationship with the young people. We wish them both a very happy and fulfilling retirement.”

As Sharon and Bryan begin this new chapter, we extend our heartfelt thanks for their years of commitment, kindness, and resilience. Their story is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact fostering can have not only on local children and young people but on the carers themselves.

From everyone at Lincolnshire Fostering Service, thank you, Sharon and Bryan. Your dedication will not be forgotten, and your impact will be felt for years to come.