Leicestershire Foster Care Champion
1989. Elizabeth Darling
Elizabeth Darling, from Leicestershire, fostered her first child in 1987 and has since transformed the lives of 88 young people as a foster carer, alongside supporting the work of local authorities and charities to advocate for the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.
Elizabeth has further championed multiple causes throughout her community of Oadby and Wigston, supporting school appeal services and serving as a Magistrate for over 20 years.
In a personal letter to Elizabeth, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:
“I heard about your extraordinary work as a foster carer from Neil O’Brien and wanted to write personally to say thank you.
“Over the last 35 years you have shown great kindness by offering loving homes and support to more than 80 young people in Leicestershire.
“You have been an inspiration for other foster carers and worked tirelessly to advocate for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.”
Elizabeth’s local MP Neil O’Brien said:
“I am delighted that Liz has become the latest recipient of a Points of Light Award. She is an outstanding role model having fostered an incredible 88 children, adopting another, and acting as a long-term carer for Darin, who came to live with her when he was 17 and is now 52.
“For twenty years she has been an active Magistrate on the Leicestershire and Rutland Bench, carrying out duties above and beyond the requirements of the Bench. She also volunteers as a School Admission Appeal Panel member.
“She represents the very best of us all, and always strives to help others. Congratulations, Liz!”
Elizabeth said:
“I was absolutely delighted and honoured to receive my Points Of Lights award.
“It came as a great surprise but made me feel very valued for the work I have done and continue to do within the social care setting. The man that lives with me has severe learning disabilities and has now lived with me for 36 years. I also fostered 87 other children. I am happy to have hopefully made a difference to these children’s /adults lives.”
Pictured: Neil O’Brien MP presenting Elizabeth with her Points of Light certificate.