A PORTHMADOG foster carer says she feels “proud” after being chosen as a finalist for a prestigious award for caring for over 100 children over the past 35 years.

Janet Williams is a finalist in the Citzenship category for this year’s St David’s Awards.

As well as bringing up her own three children, she has fostered more than 100 children over the past 35 years, even going as far as adopting, and has made a real difference to the lives of children who could not, for whatever reason, live with their own families.

Janet, 70, told the Cambrian News she discovered fostering by accident when she cared for a young boy whose mother went into hospital.

She said: “It all began by accident, a lady in Porthmadog wasn’t very well and needed to go into hospital and I ended up looking after her little boy. My interest into the field of fostering all started from then.

“Being a foster carer can be a challenge at times, I have fostered children of all ages, from babies to 18-year-old teenagers, but it’s a real joy for me seeing these young people succeed in life.

“I’ve seen quite a few of my foster kids go on to university which makes me really proud and I’ve also seen some reunited with their families which is always lovely to see.”

Mrs Williams, who lives with her husband Gareth, also founded and chaired the Gwynedd Foster Carers Association.

“I’m really proud to receive this nomination, but it’s not just for me, it’s for my family, my neighbours and the community of Porthmadog who have given me such support over the years.

“It’s not easy for kids to come into and settle in a new area, the kids in the area of Porthmadog have been very welcoming and the local school, Ysgol Eifionydd, has been phenomenal as well as North Wales Police which has also provided me with exce­llent support over the years.

“A lot of people don’t realise the amount of support that is needed when a young person comes to live with their foster family.

“I am extremely grateful to the kids here in Porthmadog who have been with us along the way and befriended the kids who have come to live with me, which has made it so much easier for them to settle in.”

Janet was nominated for the award by members of Porthmadog Town Council.

Cllr Jason Humphreys said: “The St David’s Awards are very prestigious and she’s up there with some of Wales’ finest hearts, minds and talents – rightly so and I hope that she wins.

“Janet and her family have taken over 100 children under their wings during 35 years of fostering.

“It’s impossible to quantify the positive effect that this has had on so many lives, but I’ve had plenty of testimony to know that it’s hugely significant.

“It doesn’t end there. Janet has been involved in raising money for good causes, political lobbying, being a founding trustee of the Fostering Network and has also been involved with various community activities in Porthmadog.

“She was among the founders of Ffrindiau Port, which was set up to illuminate Porthmadog every Christmas, and she’s still active in this.

“I’m glad she’s now been acknowledged by the Welsh Government.”

Janet will find out if she has won the award during an awards ceremony at the Senedd in Cardiff on 10 March.

If you would like to find out more on how to become a foster carer, contact Gwynedd Ni on 01286 682660.