Foster carers of 40 years 'gobsmacked' by MBE

2 hours ago

Adam Green,BBC Radio Shropshireand

Tim Page,in Shropshire

News image — John and Pam Garbett have provided respite breaks for dozens of children

Pam Garbett A couple with white hair stand with arms round each other in a garden. He is wearing a striped button-up shirt and sunglasses. She is wearing a top with a flower design on it. Behind them, a brick garden wall and plants are visible. — John and Pam Garbett have provided respite breaks for dozens of children

A couple who have provided respite foster care for dozens of children over a period of nearly 40 years have said they were "gobsmacked" to be made MBEs in the King's Birthday Honours.

Pam and John Garbett, from Telford, have provided short breaks for children with disabilities since the late 1980s, helping to keep 34 youngsters with their families instead of in full-time care.

Mrs Garbett said they had formed strong relationship with the families, caring for some children for a number of years.

Her husband added that "being brought up on Dawley Bank all those years ago", he had never seen the royals as a youngster, and to be honoured had come as a "really, really big surprise".

Mr Garbett, 80, added: "We've got five children at the moment, ranging from 16 to 3, and we'll just keep going."

His wife said they would "spend a few days in London and make it a proper celebration" with their son and daughter-in-law.

How does the honours system work?

PEGS A woman with short blonde hair is wearing red-framed glasses and a blue shirt with red and white flowers on. She is looking at the camera and standing against a pale background. — Michelle John from PEGS was also awarded an MBE

The Garbetts were among several people from Shropshire to be honoured.

Michelle John from child-to-parent abuse charity PEGS was also made an MBE for services to family support and advocacy.

In a social media post, she said she was "proud, privileged and very grateful", but saw it as a team reward for the charity and families it had helped.

Telford entrepreneur Hollie Whittles received the same honour for services to women in business.

"I got a letter about six weeks ago, and I've been sworn to secrecy since... I'm absolutely over the moon," she told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"As well as wanting to set up a really good business, I've wanted to pay it forward," she added, saying she had become involved in inspiring young people and running women's networking events.

Hollie Whittles A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair smiled at the camera. She is standing outdoors in front of a brick wall, and wearing a purple top. — Hollie Whittles said she was "over the moon" with her MBE

The list of Shropshire honours recipients also includes:

Gary Badley CBE (Telford), Ministry of Justice, for public service
Jonathan Boddington MBE (Oswestry), Silverlining Furniture, for services to design and innovation in the furniture industry
Natalie Cumming MBE (Oswestry), for services to Holocaust remembrance and to the Missing People charity
Kathleen Kimber MBE (Oswestry), former chair of governors, Derwen College, for services to further education
John Wagner MBE (Shrewsbury), for services to British comic books and the comic book industry
Dean Allen BEM (Telford), holiday activities and food programme partner, Telford & Wrekin Council, for services to the community in Telford
Philip Cowell BEM (Shrewsbury), for services to the community in Shrewsbury
Wendy Ford BEM (Shrewsbury), The Children's Society, for services to charity and young people
Alan Halcrow BEM (Shrewsbury), chairman of Clear Drains Ltd, for services to the drainage industry
Neville Stevens BEM (Craven Arms), services to the community in Craven Arms
Christopher Symes BEM (Ellesmere), trustee and former chairman, Lyneal Trust, for services to disabled people