Foster carers honoured for decades of dedication

Christopher and Denise Mitchell, from the Derbyshire Dales, were presented with a British Citizen Award at the Palace of Westminster after decades of adopting and fostering children, including three adopted children with Down's syndrome and 12 foster placements over 14 years.

Christopher and Denise Mitchell were recently presented with a British Citizen Award at the Palace of Westminster in recognition of decades spent supporting children in care. The couple, both 70 and from the Derbyshire Dales, first adopted three children with Down's syndrome and later fostered newborns and other children over many years. They retired from fostering in 2021 but maintain contact with many of the children they cared for. Local officials and the county council highlighted the couple's commitment during the award presentation. Key details: - Christopher and Denise Mitchell received a British Citizen Award at the Palace of Westminster. - The couple adopted three children with Down's syndrome early in their family life. - Over a 14-year period they provided foster care to 12 children, often caring for newborns straight from hospital. - They retired from fostering in 2021 and still hear from former foster children, whom Denise described as feeling like "loads of grandchildren." - Sam Redfern, Derbyshire County Council's cabinet member for children and families, described the couple as an inspiration and thanked them for their dedication. Summary: The award recognises a long record of caring for vulnerable children and the couple's role in supporting children into family life. Officials noted the Mitchells' example at the ceremony and reported that their recognition drew attention to fostering locally; further developments or broader effects are undetermined at this time.