'We've fostered 330 children over 50 years' says Rochdale couple

A couple in their 70s are celebrating 50 years as foster parents, with no plans to retire. Michael and Marilyn, from Rochdale, in Greater Manchester - aged 78 and 74 respectively - are celebrating five decades as foster parents, after a local newspaper advert placed by Rochdale Borough Council first caught their eye in 1976. The couple have since cared for 330 children - with no current plans of stopping. "I would really miss it," Marilyn said. As some of the UK's longest serving foster carers, the couple have recently received a mayoral recognition award. "We feel privileged and proud," Michael said, reflecting on their time taking children into their home. The Milnrow couple had been married for five years and had two young children of their own when they began fostering in 1976. They heard the local authority was looking for foster carers who could look after very young babies - and said they knew straight away that another child would "fit right in" at their home. "It was lovely to have another little one about, I loved it," Marilyn said, recalling their first placement. "She was about two days old when she came to us, and we had her for two and a half months. "I can still reme

Mar 30, 2026 → Apr 9, 2026