Meet the Rochdale foster carers creating lifelong memories for children

Wednesday, 21 May 2025 13:21

By David Murphy

Michael (left) and husband Liam (right) on their wedding day

Two Rochdale foster carers have spoken about the joy and purpose fostering brings to their lives as they encourage others to consider making a difference.

Michael and Liam, who have been fostering with Rochdale Borough Council for over four years, have shared how their journey has transformed not only their lives but also those of the children in their care. The couple, who married in 2021, say one of their most treasured memories was having the children they foster walk them into the registry office on their wedding day.

Michael recalled the emotion of the day: “When they announced we were married, they were both in tears. They hadn’t met everyone in our lives yet, but our little girl went around introducing herself to everyone, it was so lovely to see.”

The couple began fostering shortly after getting together in 2019, motivated by a shared desire to support children. Michael, who had a difficult childhood himself, said they were inspired by friends already fostering and wanted to give young people a better start in life.

They credit the council, especially supervising social worker Jane, for providing strong support through the application process. When they were approved by the fostering panel, the couple said they were “over the moon”.

“Our lives have changed so much for the better,” Michael said. “We’ve seen huge growth in the two siblings we’ve had with us since the beginning. Seeing their development has been incredible.”

Michael and Liam now foster four children and describe each milestone as a proud moment, from first school days to first driving lessons. They focus on creating joyful experiences that the children can remember as adults, including holidays to Disneyland, birthdays in Berlin and Iceland, and days out horse riding, bowling, or at the cinema.

They compile photo albums of each year’s memories, which the children treasure. “When you come into foster care, you've often suffered significant trauma,” Michael said. “We want to give them the best life we can. We absolutely love fostering and want to keep doing it for years to come.”

Anyone considering fostering in Rochdale must be over 21 and have at least one spare bedroom. Councillor Rachel Massey, the council’s portfolio holder for children’s services and education, praised carers like Michael and Liam for the life-changing difference they make.

“By opening their homes, our foster carers enable children to thrive. I’m incredibly grateful for their dedication,” she said.

The council offers flexible fostering options and encourages interested residents to get in touch.