Dyke foster carers Alan and Anne Doughty named Carers of the Year at Moray and Banffshire Heroes 2023
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
MORAY foster carers Alan and Anne Doughty were named Carers of the Year at the Moray and Banffshire Heroes awards at Brodie Countryfare last night.
The pair have welcomed children into their home in Dyke for 34 years, changing the lives of 50 children who they have raised alongside their own family.
Their selfless dedication to changing lives has even seen one of their foster placements name her children after Alan and Anne.
However, the duo insist they were shocked to be nominated let alone win.
"It was a big shock because to learn we had been nominated in the first place was unexpected but to win was humbling really," Alan said.
"We've fostered people of all ages, from newborn babies right up to people the age of 21.
"Many have their own children now as well so when people ask us how many grandchildren we've got we don't know because so many call us grandad or grandmother.
"One of them has named two children after us as well so that's an amazing accolade and that's really touching."
Alan and Anne are now set to retire but they were pleased to cap what has been a highly rewarding 34 years of fostering with award recognition.
Anne said: "I think we're still coming to terms with hanging our shoes up really.
"It's just always been a part of our lives. Our eldest daughter was nine when we started fostering so it's all she's ever known."
Alan added: "It means a lot to be recognised but you don't go into it to be recognised but it's nice for people to do that."
The Carer of the Year award was sponsored by Parklands Care Homes.
