A DAUGHTER has followed in her kind-hearted mum’s footsteps and become a foster carer.
After seeing first-hand the effect Vicky Tredell had on 12 children and young people’s lives Rachel Gilbert was inspired to pick up the baton and continue her work following Vicky’s retirement earlier this year.
And the Lode Heath resident has just one goal in mind – to have a positive impact on the lives of children and young people who need a loving home.
Rachel said: “Fostering wasn’t something I’d considered until I saw first-hand the incredible effect my amazing mum had on the children in her care and the huge difference she made to young lives.
“The biggest inspiration for me was when I got to witness the most beautiful moment of a young girl in our care being able to return back to her birth mother.
“That was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever witnessed and a huge push towards my decision to becoming a foster carer – a decision I doubt I’ll ever regret.
“Becoming a foster carer has given me a whole new outlook to life and I hope they all feel loved, appreciated and safe because they deserve nothing less.”
As well as support from Swiis Foster Care – the agency Rachel works with to help children and young people in need – she will also have her mum on hand at home to give her a boost where needed.
Vicky said: “I have stood behind my daughter Rachel, on her fostering journey, every step of the way.
“She needs very little guidance, as she has been working alongside me on my own journey and took to her role quite naturally.
“Fostering just seemed to fall into place naturally for me as well, when I was working with Rachel in our home childminding.
“As we had a spare bedroom, it made sense to us to offer that room to a child or young person who were in need of it, and it’s the best thing we could have done because it’s so rewarding on so many levels.”
Vicky has plenty of happy memories from her time as a foster carer and is hoping that more people across Solihull will enjoy the sense of achievement that accompanies fostering – even parents with children of their own.
Their former foster child Hailey – not her real name – who lived with Vicky and Rachel for six years said: “They have been incredible in their care and support, shaping me into the person I am today.
“From the very beginning, they embraced me as part of their family, showering me with love, encouragement, and guidance.
“They have an incredible ability to create an atmosphere of safety and love that envelops my entire being”.
“From the moment I entered their lives, they took me under their wing, embracing me with open arms and genuine warmth.”
