Tameside foster carers honoured at King’s Garden Party

Local long-serving foster carers, Sue and Pete Williams, were invited to attend the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of their service and commitment to fostering children and young people over 46 years.

The couple, aged 73 and 82, from Hyde, first started fostering in 1980, making them Tameside Council’s longest-serving foster carers.

To celebrate their dedication and contribution to their community, Sue and Pete attended the King’s Garden Party.

Sue said: “The best moment was when King Charles and Queen Camilla came out. Even though we didn’t get to meet them, it was still an honour.

“We enjoyed the afternoon, met some lovely people and were very well looked after. We’re so glad we went.”

From 11 May till 24 May 2026, it’s Foster Care Fortnight, which is a national campaign that raises awareness of the impact of foster care and aims to inspire others to consider fostering, while also providing a chance to thank foster carers who open their hearts and homes to local children and young people.

Over the years, Sue and Pete have been the difference to the lives of many children and young people as they’ve taken 27 placements alongside raising their four biological children.

Their family has continued to grow over the years of fostering, and they now have 34 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Sue said: “We first started fostering because I’ve always wanted a big family. I had a beautiful childhood, and I wanted to be able to give that to other children.”

Both Sue and Pete worked full-time alongside fostering until later in life, with Sue working at a local children’s unit and Pete as a machinist. Fostering proved flexible enough to fit around their lifestyles, and they found it so rewarding that they continued after retirement.

Sue said: “I’ve learnt, and I’m still learning, a lot from the children and young we’ve cared for. It’s special when you reach a point where you’ve earned their trust and they feel able to open to you.

“Our proudest moments are when the children we’ve cared for come back to us and we see everything they’ve achieved in life.”

Pete added: “You shouldn’t think of them as a lodger but instead as a part of your family, you get out of fostering what you put in.”

Sue and Pete have made a lasting impression on those they’ve supported throughout their time fostering, including both children and their families.

Sue said: “We’ve walked those we’ve cared for down the aisle; one even got our names tattooed on his arms to express how we’ll be with him forever. Others have been inspired to be the difference and become children’s social workers, which makes us incredibly proud.”

Anyone can foster as long as applicants are 21 years or older, have a spare room (unless you’re fostering a child under the age of two), and can offer a safe and loving home.

The council provides full training, including online opportunities to increase flexibility, support and an allowance.

Jill Colbert OBE, Director of Children’s Services at Tameside Council said: “This invitation from the King highlights how valued the role of foster carers are to our community and this is much deserved recognition for Sue and Pete.

“Thank you for all of the time, passion, and kindness you’ve given and shown our children and young people.”

Tameside Council and local foster carers run regular drop-in sessions both in-person and online. See a full list of ‘Let’s Talk Fostering’ sessions here.

Anyone who has been inspired by Sue and Pete can get in touch by calling 0300 303 0321, emailing enquire@fosterforgm.com or visiting www.fosterforgm.com/tameside