Marion's Story: Fostering children while living life to the full

Marion is 65 and lives a busy, active life. She is a foster parent to children of different ages, has three grown-up birth children, and six grandchildren.

Alongside fostering, Marion is a keen runner and has completed multiple marathons. For Marion, age is just a number. She is kept active and energised by family life, by the children she cares for, and by running, which has become an important way for her to look after her wellbeing and take time for herself.

Making the decision to foster

Marion always knew she wanted to foster, but she also knew it needed to be the right time. Her advice to anyone thinking about fostering is to consider the needs of the whole family. If you have your own children, their needs matter too, and it’s important to feel confident that you can offer time, care and attention to everyone.

Marion began fostering at the age of 54. Before taking that step, she spoke openly with her children and wider family to make sure everyone felt comfortable and involved. Fostering affects the whole household, and while it means sharing time and energy, Marion believes there is more than enough love to go around.

Running for wellbeing and community

Running plays an important role in Marion’s life. It is something she does to stay active and support her mental wellbeing. She started with Parkrun and quickly found a strong sense of community, which she feels has had a hugely positive impact on her life.

Through running, Marion made a close friend, Alison. When Alison decided to run the New York Marathon, Marion suggested they do it together. That decision led to something quite extraordinary.

Since then, Marion and Alison have completed the Marathon Majors, running in Boston, New York, Tokyo, Berlin and London. In August this year, they will run the Sydney Marathon. Once completed, they will be among the first people ever to have finished all seven Marathon Majors.

Fostering with Fosterplus

Marion fosters with Fosterplus and sees her role as offering children consistency, care and the chance to feel safe enough to be themselves. Her hope is that every child who spends time with her and her family can look back and say that their time felt positive and secure.

Marion believes there are many misconceptions about fostering. In her experience, children don’t need extraordinary things. They need time, patience, understanding and care. All children deserve to feel accepted and valued for who they are.

Recently, Marion and her family said goodbye to a much-loved toddler who was able to return to their family. While it was an emotional moment, Marion is grateful for the time they shared and for knowing that the child experienced love and stability while in their care.

Growing and thriving together

At the moment, Marion’s family includes two young people who are an important part of their lives.

Kyle is 12 and full of energy. Marion and her family originally fostered him before becoming his legal guardians through a Special Guardianship Order. Kyle enjoys rugby, is training to be a lifeguard, and volunteers with St John Ambulance. He hopes to become a brain surgeon in the future because he wants to help others. Marion describes him as kind, determined and resilient, and is incredibly proud of the young person he is becoming.

Marion also supports a young man with Down’s syndrome through a Shared Lives arrangement. When he came to live with the family five years ago, he needed a high level of support. Since then, he has made significant progress in his independence and confidence. He now enjoys everyday routines and attended his college prom last year, a moment that meant a great deal to the whole family.

Combining family life and an active lifestyle

One of Marion’s proudest moments came last year when she ran the London Marathon just six days after completing the Boston Marathon, alongside her daughter, who uses a wheelchair, and her grandson. Sharing that experience as a family made it especially meaningful.

Running has become something the whole family enjoys together. Kyle regularly takes part in Parkruns, and Marion now has a cross-country wheelchair so she can take the young man she supports out on running routes. Even her grandson has recently started running.

Marion wants the children in her care to see the value of living a healthy, balanced and happy life. As a family, they find joy in movement, spending time outdoors and being together.

Marion is clear that none of this would be possible without the support of her husband, David. They work as a team and try to make the most of every day. For Marion, fostering alongside family life feels like a privilege and something she is deeply grateful for.

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You are required to have a spare bedroom that’s always available to a foster child. The spare room cannot be shared, and must be big enough to fit a single bed, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers.

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