A foster carer couple from Wrexham has been recognised for their resilience, compassion and unwavering commitment to children with a national Fostering Excellence Award.
Del and Gary, who have been foster carers with their local authority in Wrexham for 25 years, have been named winners of The Mortgage Brain’s Lifelong Connections Award at The Fostering Network’s 2026 Fostering Excellence Awards. Judges praised the life-changing support they provide to children and young people in their care.
The couple were praised for their ability to create safe, nurturing and stable homes where children feel respected, valued and free to be themselves. Their supervising social worker, Hayley Roberts, who nominated them for the award, highlighted the calm and compassionate approach they bring to every child, helping children who have experienced trauma or adversity to feel secure and build trusting relationships.
Hayley said: “The difference they make is evident in the stability, growth and confidence of the children they care for. Their dedication goes far beyond meeting daily needs. They provide opportunities, encouragement and a sense of belonging that enables children to thrive.”
Judges were impressed by Del and Gary’s ability to adapt their support to meet the individual needs of every child they welcome into their home. Hayley also highlighted how they remain patient, reflective and solution-focused, even in the most challenging situations, always placing the wellbeing of children at the heart of their decisions.
She added: “Del and Gary demonstrate a deep understanding of the complexities of fostering. They create a safe, nurturing and stable environment where children feel respected, valued and able to be themselves.”
Councillor Rob Walsh, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Children’s and Family Services, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see Del and Gary receive this well-deserved recognition. Their compassion, dedication and 25 years of commitment to fostering in Wrexham have made a real and lasting difference to the lives of the children and young people they have cared for.
“By creating a safe, loving and nurturing home, they have helped children thrive, and this award is a testament to the remarkable impact they continue to have.”
The Fostering Excellence Awards are the UK’s most prestigious foster care awards, celebrating outstanding achievements in fostering and recognise those who make exceptional contributions to foster care every day.
The award ceremony took place at Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Thursday 12 November and was hosted by comedian and Anglesey foster carer Kiri Pritchard McLean. Among the VIPs in attendance were renowned children’s author Jacqueline Wilson, Children’s Laureate Patrice Lawrence and The Traitors star Judy Wilson.
Foster carers from Wales have been praised for the support that they offer children and young people across the country in the annual Fostering Excellence Awards.
Of the 17 awards, there were eight Welsh winners, with foster carers and their families recognised for the compassion, empathy and support they have shown children and young people in foster care.
Another Wrexham fostering family also won the award for Cultural Identity and Belonging, but would prefer to remain anonymous.
To find out more about becoming a foster carer in in Wrexham, visit wrexham.fosterwales.gov.wales
