Liverpool celebrates foster carer Linda Hurst's MBE at Town Hall reception

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Linda Hurst MBE

Liverpool's fostering community came together at Liverpool Town Hall to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of foster carer Linda Hurst following her recent MBE award.

Joined by the Lord Mayor over afternoon tea, Linda shared memories and stories from more than 45 years of fostering, reflecting on the children and young people who have shaped her life just as much as she has shaped theirs.

Linda fostered for Liverpool City Council until the age of 81 and, over the course of her fostering journey, cared for more than 200 children and young people.

Some children stayed with Linda for just a single night, including a baby who had been left at a police station, while others became part of her family and lived with her from the age of three through to early adulthood.

Throughout the visit, Linda shared moving stories from her fostering career and spoke about the lifelong relationships she has built with many of the children she cared for, who still turn to her for guidance and support years later.

One young adult fondly remembers being wrapped in a warm towel and sat on Linda's knee after bath time when they were just three years old. Today, they still contact Linda for advice on everything from cooking an egg to managing their finances.

Together with her late husband Ray, Linda dedicated decades to providing safe, stable and loving homes for vulnerable children and young people. Following Ray's death in 2011, Linda continued fostering, while the Ray Hurst Centre in Kensington stands as a lasting tribute to his legacy.

Linda also supported unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, helping them settle into life in the UK, access education and healthcare, build friendships and plan for their futures.

Despite recently being awarded an MBE, Linda remains modest. Speaking about the honour, she said that while she appreciates the recognition, she believes the children and young people she cared for brought just as much to her life as she brought to theirs.

Linda is looking forward to formally receiving her MBE at either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle in the coming months.

The Town Hall celebration was an opportunity not only to recognise Linda's remarkable contribution, but also to highlight the life-changing difference foster carers make every day.