Published Tuesday 24 July 2018 at 10:06
Tributes have been paid to long-serving foster carer MBE Fred Wearing who has sadly died after 44 years of fostering children.
Fred, 83, a dedicated foster carer for Blackburn with Darwen Council, looked after over 200 children over the past four decades with his wife Audrey.
The pair were fittingly awarded with an MBE for their services to children in foster care and retired last year.
Fred’s wife Audrey said:
Fostering has been our life for the past 44 years. You couldn’t have asked for anybody better than Fred.
He had such a kind heart, he would come home from work and didn’t bother in the slightest at how many children we had running around the house.
We’re all going to really miss Fred, I’m lucky that I have so many of my family around. He was just great. A great man, a great husband, a great dad and a great grandparent to all our grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Daughter Hayley Pendry said that her mum and dad were an inspiration.
She said:
Mum and dad have been the two people who have never turned their backs on anyone. Dad is going to be missed by so many people whose lives he had such a positive impact on.
Linda Clegg, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Director of Children’s Services, said:
Fred and Audrey have been so influential in encouraging others to come forward and consider fostering. They were always there to be advocates for fostering.
We hope Fred’s legacy will continue to inspire others to follow the same path.
Cllr Maureen Bateson, Executive Member for Children’s Services, paid her own tribute and said:
Fred was such a down-to-earth man with a genuine passion to provide a nurturing home for vulnerable children.
I have met Fred and Audrey many times and the fostering team have always spoken very highly of the couple on personal and professional levels.
He will be very sadly missed by us and all who knew him.
We want to pass on our thoughts and prayers to Audrey and the rest of their family. We know Fred made a huge difference to the lives of so many and I want to thank both Fred and Audrey deeply for everything they have done.
Deborah Benmore, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Fostering Team Manager, added:
I have known Fred and Audrey for many years, and they have both been amazing foster carers throughout. Fred will be sadly missed.
Fred leaves seven children; Julie, Graham, Stephanie, Melanie, Juliet, Joanne and Hayley, 20 grand-children and 16 great-grandchildren.
The funeral is due to take place at St Peter’s Church, Darwen on Wednesday at 1.30pm.
Donations can be made to the District nurses and carers via Darwen Funeral Services.