Though unsure at first, Lowestoft's 32-year-old Abbey has become a successful single foster parent and given love and a new start to two young siblings.

As someone who couldn't have children of her own, fostering was a simple decision for Abbey.

She said: “I’ve always wanted to look after kids and when my sister was born there was a big age gap - I raised her, so I knew I’d be a good mum."

Her beginning as a foster mum wasn't easy, especially going through a divorce.

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But Abbey proved to be resilient, she said: "I worried about what would happen to the children when we went through the divorce and that I wouldn't be able to continue fostering the children on my own, but the children’s social worker saw how settled they were and didn't want to disrupt that."

Fostering comes with its own set of challenges, one of which is building emotional connections.

Abbey says: “I have cried for every single child, but that’s okay.

"If I didn’t get attached, I wouldn’t be doing my job properly.

"You have to throw yourself into it; otherwise, it won’t work because there is no room for the children to feel safe and comfortable.”

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Despite ups and downs, Abbey's journey as a foster parent is rewarding, and her foster children are flourishing.

Abbey said: "My journey has had a lot of ups and downs, but when children who've had a difficult start to life make recognisable progress, and you step back and think, 'I did that', it makes it all worthwhile."

In Suffolk, there are about 1,000 children in care.

More foster parents like Abbey are needed to provide stable homes.

For anyone interested in fostering in Suffolk, reach out to FCA Eastern at 0800 098 4138.