Kind-hearted foster couple who've helped change the lives of more than 20 children recognised in New Year Honours
A husband-and-wife team from Burntwood have been rewarded for their work in fostering and looking after over 20 children with a New Year Honour.
Simon and Michelle Hawkins have been awarded the British Empire Medal for their services to foster care.
Since being approved for fostering in 2012, they have looked after 20 children from periods of six months to over a year, often for sibling groups.
They have fostered five children, including two newborns, since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic and have become legal guardians to three of them.
Speaking from their home in Burntwood, Michelle, aged 48, said they were "surprised and delighted" when news of their nomination reached them before Christmas.
