A home full of love and generosity has had a profoundly positive impact on the lives of almost 50 children over the last 36 years.
Married for 66 years, Barry, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday and 87-year-old Lyn have built a life rich in family, community, and quiet acts of kindness. Barry spent most of his working life in life insurance, and Lyn, ever the nurturer, found that after they had raised their three boys, she missed the sound of little feet pattering through the house.
It was Lyn’s idea to become foster carers. “I just missed having little ones around,” she said, and decided to find out if it was something they would be suitable for.
“It’s only when you start to look into foster care that you realise there is a huge need for carers and nowhere near enough safe homes for children. We had a spare room and the time and love to give to little kids, so we were very happy to be able to help out,” Lyn said.
Since then, their home has been a haven for babies and toddlers. “It was the perfect way to wind down after work,” Barry would say, as he recalls cradling sleeping babies in the evening. Their house, always warm and welcoming, became a place of laughter, lullabies, and love.
Over the years, they’ve cared for dozens of children, many of whom were adopted. Barry and Lyn often got to know the adoptive parents and stayed in touch, celebrating birthdays and milestones. “There’s not a week that goes by without a party or a cake,” Lyn laughs. “We’ve got nine grandchildren and a whole extended family of kids we’ve looked after.”
Their community connections run deep. Whether it’s a school concert, a cultural celebration, Barry’s beloved tennis tournaments or a quiet dinner with a young person who has been in their care, Barry and Lyn are there, smiling, supportive, and steadfast.
But fostering isn’t without its bittersweet moments. “We miss them when they go,” Barry admits. “The house gets very quiet.”
Right now, they’re caring for 15-year-old Ronan* who’s been part of their lives since he was a baby. They also grew close to his mother, who faced challenges of her own, and helped out by looking after Ronan during weekends and school holidays. Unfortunately, Ronan’s Mum passed away suddenly earlier this year, and Lyn and Barry immediately stepped in to offer Ronan the continued care and stability they had always provided.
“He’s part of our family,” Lyn says simply. “He always has been. We would go on holiday with Ronan and his Mum and we miss her too. That’s why we want to do everything we can to support him through this great loss.”
Barry and Lyn show no signs of slowing down. Their story is one of enduring love, for each other, for children, and for the community they’ve helped shape. In a world that often moves too fast, their home in Malvern remains a place where time slows, hearts open, and every child is welcomed with warmth.