MALVERN’S mayor this week spoke candidly about his childhood in foster care.

Cllr Neil Morton said that it was the love and support of his foster carers that has enabled him to get where he is today.

He was speaking at a party held to mark the 20th anniversary of the Malvern-based Foster Care Co-operative.

He said: “I went into care when I was four, spent the first couple of years in a children’s home, then a short-term fostering placement.

“I was then fortunate to be placed long term, which took me through until I was 18.

“I really do believe that without that environment, and the love and support of my foster carers, I perhaps wouldn’t be here today, doing what I’m doing.

The party, held at Leigh and Bransford community hall, featured bouncy castles, fete-style games and stalls and plenty of food and refreshments.

Cllr Morton said: “From my point of view it is a privilege to be here. On behalf of myself, and the children you have looked after, could I just say thank you very much for what you do – it makes a huge difference.”

The agency was also presented with a hand-made plaque, personally engraved by an ex-foster child. The plaque, which bears the message: “Thank you FCC for helping me find myself”, was presented to founder Laurie Gregory for display in the organisation’s head office at the Haysfield, off Spring Lane.

The Foster Care Co-operative was founded in 1999, and is currently the only not-for-profit fostering organisation in the UK.

Chief executive Sam Ram said: “We were so pleased to be able to offer such a fun-filled day for our foster carers, children and staff.

“The Foster Care Co-operative is twenty years old this year, and we wanted to celebrate this milestone with the very people who have made it happen over the years.

“As a co-operative, it is important for us to recognise our FCC family, which also includes ex-staff. Everyone has had a fantastic day – a big thank you to all who made it such a success.”

Les Kinmond, chairman of the co-op, said: “Since becoming chairman a year ago, I have been constantly impressed and touched by the ethical, child-centred approach of this organisation.

“To then have an event that includes our outstanding foster carers, the children they support and our staff past and present, is just fantastic, so it feels like a true celebration of where we are today.

“I hope everyone had a wonderful time; from the smiling faces of the children on the day, I can only deduce that they did. A big thank-you to everyone involved.”