Foster couple: 'We have a real heart for the vulnerable'

FOSTER carers in Swansea are urging others to consider fostering and discover the powerful connections that transform lives.

- JAMES ARNOTT Print editor

This week is the start of Foster Care Fortnight and the campaign, the UK’s biggest fostering awareness initiative, is celebrating The Power of Relationships in 2025.

Foster Wales is calling on more people to come forward, with over 7,000 children in care across Wales and just 3,800 fostering families. The goal is to recruit 800 more carers by 2026.

Among those supporting the campaign are Swansea foster carers Holly and Mark Bowtell, who began fostering in November 2022, alongside their children Oscar and Sofie.

Holly said: "We talked about it a lot and had the support of our children which was crucial. We also had the encouragement of our family and friends who wanted to support us. When we found out that the finances would work, I was able to stop working as a nurse."