Queen's Birthday Honours: 'Amazing' Tipton foster couple honoured with MBEs

'Amazing ambassadors' Martin and Barbara Hale have been awarded MBEs in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

The couple have cared for 126 children since signing up as foster parents back in 1996 and been praised for always 'going the extra mile' for the kids.

Mrs Hale, 64, said they were 'overjoyed' to be recognised for their efforts.

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She told the Express & Star: "When we both got [the MBE letters] it was a great feeling, I was overjoyed.

"It's nice to think people have put us forward for this.

"Fostering is a hard job but's it's lovely people think we've done a good job.

"It's been so rewarding, especially when the kids turn out well and then their children are brilliant as well."

Mr and Mrs Hale, who used to live in Dudley but now live in Tipton, have fostered 126 children on a mixture of short- and long-term placements for Sandwell Council.

They said fostering is a 'challenging' task but hugely rewarding.

One example of the impact lorry driver Mr Hart, 61, and his wife have had on their foster children is the fact the couple hosted a Boxing Day meal where more than 40 turned up.

Mrs Hale said: "It's hard a times given what some of the kids have been through.

"But we treat everyone we foster like our own children, the council always say we make them our own.

"We want to make the children feel like they're wanted and give them a sense of belonging.

"It is so humbling when you realise what the children have come through.

"You learn all about tolerance, empathy and it's heart-warming especially when you see the end result."

The couple's commendation said: "They have been fostering in Sandwell for the past 20 years and have fostered 126 children on short- and long-term placements.

"In fact, one of the children they fostered ended up staying forever through adoption.

"They have showed passion, compassion and love towards each child they have looked after and the local authority states that they are a valued asset to Sandwell’s children’s services as they go the extra mile for their foster children and are selfless people who put the needs of the children before their own.

"They have changed the lives of many children over their fostering career and continue to offer their former foster children support.

"They show dedication, commitment and care even after their fostering role ends.

"They offer a high level of support, love and care both emotionally and physically and because of this children and young people continue to thrive in their care.

"They have also provided emotional and practical support to other foster carers who work for Sandwell. They are regarded as amazing ambassadors of what foster carers should aspire to be like."