Moray carers reflect on what it meant to be named Hero of Heroes at Moray and Banffshire Heroes Awards

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TWO Moray foster carers who have dedicated 34 years of their lives to helping young people have reflected on how it felt to be named Hero of Heroes at 2023's Moray and Banffshire Heroes Awards.

Anne and Alan Doughty have fostered 50 youngsters and have even had children named after them in tribute to the life changing support they have so readily provided.

Their dedication was recognised when they were not only named Carers of the Year but also Hero of Heroes.

The double award win capped well over three decades of remarkable service after the pair decided to retire from fostering earlier this year.

Anne said: "I think we were stunned actually. You know when you cant speak. That's how I was.

"When we won the carer award that floored me but when we won the overall award I was just stunned.

"It was such a lovely way to finish our career in fostering because we'd been fostering for 34 years."

Anne says the pair didn't want to stop fostering but had to due to Alan's health.

But retirement has allowed them spend more time together and Anne has encouraged anybody who thinks they might be suited to fostering to go for it.

"It's nice to know that we've had a positive impact on young people," Anne said.

"One of the young lads we fostered, a day doesn't go by where we don't speak to him. They're just part of the family.

"Anyone who does fostering, I take my hat off to them because it can be hard and so much has changed over 34 years because actually it is now classed as a job.

"You don't do it for the money though. You do it for the kids.

"It is so worthwhile. My heart goes out to any child who has been taken into care.

"But they need support, patience, consistency and if you can offer that then do it."

Nominations have now opened for 2024's Moray and Banffshire Heroes Awards.

Send your nominations in at https://www.hnmedia.co.uk/morayheroes/.

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