Former RAF Pilot Encourages Others to Become Foster Parents

An ex-RAF pilot, who began fostering in his eighties, is urging more individuals to consider becoming foster parents. Nigel has served as a foster carer with Somerset Council for a period of four years. The 88-year-old commenced this role following the death of his wife. He suggests he might be among the oldest single foster carers nationwide and finds the experience contributes to his youthfulness. He stated: “We’d been married for 50 years, and I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life just sitting in front of a television doing nothing.” He added: “I wanted to do something worthwhile, and not only that, I didn’t want to be alone and wanted to stay young.” Born during the 1930s, Nigel lived through several significant historical periods, such as Winston Churchill’s premiership and World War Two. As a boy, he was an air cadet, and after enlisting in the RAF for national service, he pursued a career within the air force. Nigel mentioned having experienced numerous memorable moments through his fostering journey. He remarked: “My foster son and I both like cars and I still like fast things.” He continued: “One of my favourite memories with my foster son was standing at the front of the Pyramid Stage watching Coldplay headline Glastonbury Festival this year. “It was absolutely fantastic… and my foster son loved it too.” Individuals wishing to become foster carers must be 21 years of age or older and possess a spare room in their residence; however, there is no maximum age restriction. Nigel stated that he did contemplate his age and the potential viability of the arrangement upon his foster child’s initial arrival. He commented: “There aren’t many teenagers that would want to live with an 80-something old man.” He added: “I could well understand if he’d said, ‘you’ve got to be joking’. But I’m so glad it worked out because he is a wonderful kid.” He further stated: “Fostering is quite a thing. It’s a family here they are joining, not just a house and a home. “From the day my foster child arrived I said, ‘my family are yours now’.” Councillor Heather Shearer, who serves as the lead member for children, families and education at Somerset Council, remarked: “We absolutely need more people like Nigel to provide nurturing homes for local children, where they too can be inspired to achieve their dreams.” For updates, follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.