FOSTER parents in Hull who have helped transform the lives of children in their care have received awards.
Parents and children gathered at a ceremony in the city's Guildhall to receive their awards from Lord Mayor Cllr Mary Glew.
Lisa and Mark Dunphy have been fostering for three years and were nominated for an award by one of their foster daughters.
The couple already have one daughter and two sons, but have expanded their family as long-term foster carers for a sibling group of three sisters, aged five, eight and 13.
Lisa and Mark said they see the girls as part of their family, giving them the same opportunities to learn, develop and have fun as their birth children.
Lisa said: "I was an only child so I always loved the idea of having a big family.
"We've loved every minute of it – of course there are bad days but it has been an incredible experience that I would recommend to anyone."
Lisa said one of the biggest joys has been to see how the girls have blossomed under their care.
She said: "It's wonderful to see how happy they are at home and at school.
"The girls will now have a chance to go to university or on to higher education, which is something they would never have had the chance to do before."
Andy Parker and Ivan Brown won the award from Hull City Council for Outstanding Commitment to Fostering after taking on a sibling group of three brothers aged five, six and eight.
The couple are now foster parents to four boys, including an 11-year-old who has been with them for two years.
Ivan, Andy and their foster sons have recently become a Forever Family, which means the boys will stay with them until they are at least 18.
Ivan said: "It was very important to us and to the social workers that the sibling were kept together.
"It's been hard work but it's definitely worth it – we couldn't imagine life without them now.
"It's been a big adjustment but the boys get on really well and we are just like a normal family now."
Hull City Council said there is a shortage of qualified foster carers in the area, particularly those who are willing and able to take on sibling groups.
Hull Fostering Manager Louise Shires said they are keen to encourage more families and individuals to consider fostering.
She said: "Hull Fostering are currently supporting approximately 300 foster carers and those foster families are looking after 481 children and young people.
"However, we really need more loving families to come forward to offer a safe and secure home for Hull's most vulnerable children.
"Fostering is challenging role, a vocation, a way of life, but most of all it is greatly rewarding.
"Most of our foster carers remain with us for all of their lives until they retire, they are proud to be part of the council and are dedicated to their role."
