A dedicated Rotherham foster carer who has spent more than five decades supporting vulnerable children will be awarded the Freedom of the Borough, the highest civic honour given by Rotherham Council.
Christine Lunn was presented the honour by the Mayor of Rotherham at an Extraordinary Council Meeting on Friday 13 March, with friends and family members in attendance.
Christine began fostering in 1975 with her late husband Peter and over the past 50 years, it has become something that her whole family has helped with.
Offering compassion and understanding, Christine and her family provided a safe and stable place to stay for children during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
Over 250 children from across Rotherham have been welcomed into her home, either for a weekend or staying part of the family for a number of years, many of them going on to loving families and thriving in their future lives, all thanks to the help provided by Christine and her family.
Christine said: “It’s a very big honour, especially coming from your own community, but I’ve always said the children have given me far more than I’ve given them. It’s been a privilege to be trusted to look after them.
“It’s mixed emotions when a child leaves. You’re happy they’re going on to a better future, but it still hurts a little. If it didn’t hurt, I don’t think you’d have done it right. My door has always been open for them. Some do come back years later and look around the house at their photos. It’s lovely to see them go on to lead happy lives, after all, that’s what you want for them.
“Rotherham has a wonderful group of foster carers who are all doing an amazing job. I feel very lucky to have been part of that community. If I could turn the clock back, I would do exactly the same. To know that you’ve helped children feel loved and secure and go on to live happy lives - that means everything.”
In 2019, Christine was recognised for her services to fostering with an MBE and she also received the BBC’s Make a Difference Carers Award in 2023.
The Freedom of the Borough is the latest honour to be bestowed on her and recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the borough and its communities.
Following the celebration of her 50th year of Fostering, Christine was put forward for the honour by Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Cllr Victoria Cusworth – a motion that was supported by Councillors across the borough.
Cllr Cusworth said: “I’ve had the pleasure and honour of meeting Christine many times in my role as Cabinet member, but what I saw from the first time I talked to her was the kindness, care and dedication she had for all the young people in her care. Christine is a true role model and inspiration, her selflessness and ongoing work as a Foster Carer is truly an achievement – and I know that she sees it as something she was born to do.
“I cannot thank Christine and her family enough for their long years of service to the young people of Rotherham, and the Freedom of the Borough is a small measure of our gratitude for her.”
The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Rukhsana Ismail, who presented Christine with the ceremonial role and medal, said: “Christine is absolutely amazing and truly inspiring, I am truly honoured to have bestowed her as a Freewoman of the Borough. Her passion, her love for what she does is something I’ve never seen before. She is a role model for each and every one of us in Rotherham.”
Fostering Rotherham continues to recruit foster carers to support children and young people across the borough.
Anyone interested in learning more about fostering can visit www.fosteringrotherham.co.uk or contact the team for an informal conversation.
