Local foster carer Sue McCabe is one of only 20 national winners of the Believe in Me Awards, the only UK-wide award for children and young people to nominate an adult who has ‘gone the extra mile’ to make a real difference to their experience of being in public care.
Sue was nominated by 21-year old Sophy Miles - a young person she has fostered for the past four years. Sophy moved in with Sue and husband Tony six days before Christmas, having been through a very difficult time.
Sophy said of Sue and Tony: “When most people had given up on me, they saw a young person who needed love, guidance, and support. They gave me all of these things - helping me to get 11 GCSEs and then A-levels against all odds.”
At 17 Sophy became seriously ill with suspected meningitis, became paralysed and was unable to walk for months. Over the next three years she was in hospital several times, sometimes for long periods.
During this time, Sophy said Sue was completely dedicated to her and gave her everything - her time and her energy. Said Sophy: “Even when the doctors suggested I leave college and put my education on hold Sue fought for me. She knew I could do it. All I had ever wanted was get to university and without my carers it would never have happened.”
When Sophy did go to university to Study Fine Art, it wasn’t long before she realised she was suffering a deepening depression which led to a mental breakdown. Sophy said she would have been hospitalised if it wasn't for Sue. She became her 24-hour carer and after a while, Sophy was well enough to go back to university and complete her first year.
Now a mum herself, Sophy still lives with Sue and Tony whom she says are better parents and grandparents than most people could dream of having. Sophy said: “Because of Sue it's all worked out so much better than I could ever have hoped!”
Sue received her award from Sophy at the Believe in Me Awards which took place on Thursday at the Underglobe at Shakespeare’s Globe, London.
Congratulating Sue, Devon County Council’s Executive Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Councillor John Smith, said: “This is a unique award because it is presented by the young person who nominated them, and I think that makes it all the more special.
“Sue has truly gone above and beyond the call of duty – she has given Sophy the stability, strength and enduring love all young people need and deserve, but she has also invested time and commitment into helping her recover from her illnesses, supported her in her decisions and is now helping her in the new phase of her life – motherhood.
“I feel truly honoured that we have foster carers in Devon who are as committed and determined as Sue.”
“I want to add my warmest congratulations,” said Sally Fitton, manager of the Fostering Service. “Sue’s dedication and Sophy’s achievements have made them superb ambassadors for the fostering service over the years, and this award could not be more deserved.”
The event was compered by BBC newscaster Emily Maitlis and attended by celebrities such as television presenter Melinda Messenger and Holby’s Luisa Bradshaw White.
The Believe in Me Awards are run by the Who Cares? Trust in partnership with sponsors, The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), Biking for Children in Care and OLM.
Susanna Cheal OBE, Chief Executive, The Who Cares? Trust said: “We want to congratulate the 20 national winners, and the children and young people who nominated them. It’s wonderful to know that there are people out there who are prepared to go the ‘extra mile’ to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people growing up in residential and foster care.
“It’s only by listening to children and young people’s views that we can create services that truly reflect their needs, and inspire more people to get involved and become the type of foster carer, social workers, teachers, leaving care worker and other professionals that these children and young people value.”
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