Foster mother receives more than 100 Mother’s Day cards over six years of looking after children
‘It’s great to have impacted someone’s life so much’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A foster mother has received more than 100 Mother's Day cards over years of looking after children.
Fiona Oldfield, from the West Midlands, has been a foster carer for six years.
Throughout that time, the 37-year-old has fostered more than 15 children, in addition to raising her three children with her husband, Paul.
Having grown up in the care system, Mrs Oldfield always knew she wanted to foster children.
The foster carer is currently looking after four brothers, who are all under the age of six.
In addition to the four brothers and her three children, who range in age from eight to 13, Mrs Oldfield also lives with 18-year-old Shannon Clifton, who moved in with the family after being fostered by them as a child.
Mrs Oldfield's says that her "most rewarding moment" as a foster carer came a few years ago, when Ms Clifton sent her a handwritten Mother's Day card.
"It really meant a lot that she took the time to do so, and now she lives with me full time as an adult," the foster carer says.
"It's great to have impacted someone's life so much. My birth children see her as an older sister and adore her and their four brothers."
Mrs Oldfield fosters children through Foster Care Associates (FCA).
In addition to Mother's Day cards, the foster carer says that she also expected to receive flowers, chocolates and pictures of children on Sunday 31 March.
In the past, she's been sent photographs of children that she previously looked after from their current foster families.
"I love Mother's Day, though it gets harder every year to find space for all the presents and cards!" Mrs Oldfield says.
The foster carer has implored "anyone with love" to consider opening up their homes to foster children.
“It breaks my heart to know that there is currently a shortfall of 8,000 foster families across the UK," she says.
"All you need is to be over 21, with a spare room, and willing to give a child a loving and stable home."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments