Gloucester couple on New Year Honours list for looking after more than 30 vulnerable children

A Gloucestershire couple have been recognised in the New Year Honours for looking after 30 children while working as foster carers for 20 years.

Colleen and Dave Healy, who now live in Gloucester, took on the role whilst in their early fifties.

With their own children having grown up, they chose to become foster carers saying it was their 'vocation' to look after young people.

Much of their fostering took place in Plymouth, with the rest in Hampshire. The couple have been handed British Empire Medals.

A cabinet office spokesperson said: "Colleen and David Healy both receive a BEM for services to foster care, after almost 15 years as dedicated foster carers for Plymouth City Council.

"They have provided over 30 highly vulnerable children with love and stability in a safe, nurturing environment."

Dave said: "When this phone call came to be quite honest I was just gobsmacked.

"I just couldn't believe it and we still can't get our heads around it.

Colleen said their time as foster carers has inspired members of their family to follow similar paths, saying: "We actually have a granddaughter who specifically became a social worker."

"It runs in the family, I think," said Dave.