A COUPLE from South Bucks who have fostered almost 30 children have been praised after they each received an MBE from the Queen, earlier this year.

Sarah and Tony Tarrant, from Burnham, were appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s Birthday 2014 Honours List.

The couple were nominated by Slough Borough Council in the summer of 2012 for their outstanding contribution to the community as foster carers.

Since starting as carers 11 years ago, the couple, who have two teenage children of their own, have looked after 28 children.

Mrs Tarrant said: “We are so humbled by this award. This is not just an honour for us but for all Slough foster carers - past and present – who have given so much to the children and young people they look after.

“We are so proud to foster for Slough; we are a close-knit community of carers and while we are all different, our commitment to local children remains the same.

“Fostering is one of the best things we have ever done, as individuals, as a couple and, most important, as a family.

“We could not foster without the support of our own children and our extended family and friends and our fantastic church family.

“It has enriched our lives more than we could ever have imagined and it has been a privilege to be with these children.

“We feel passionately about fostering and our message to Slough residents is that we need you.

“Local children and young people need you. So we urge anyone who is thinking about fostering to just pick up the phone to find out more.”

As well as being a mentor and guide to other carers, Mrs Tarrant was instrumental in forming the Slough Fostering Association, which ensures that carers in Slough have their own network and voice when working with the council.

Jackie Pape, acting head of service placements and resources at Slough Borough Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Sarah and Tony Tarrant have been recognised for their inspirational commitment to children and young people in Slough.”

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