When Bebe first came into Mick’s care, athletics was not part of the plan.
The only priority was giving her somewhere safe to live.
Then came school sports day. Bebe lined up against able-bodied children — and won. Easily. It was the first glimpse of something extraordinary.
She went on to become a T44 para-athlete, represent Great Britain at just fifteen, and build a career as a world-class sprinter. But behind those achievements was something simple and powerful: a foster carer who kept showing up.
Mick drove her to competitions across the country. He found the right support when she needed it. He encouraged her, believed in her, and treated her like any other child — with patience, expectation and love.
Bebe says it best:
“Mick was the one who put in all the time, all the effort. He’s supportive, kind and caring. No matter if you win, lose, or go away from it crying, he’s always there to have your back.”
That is fostering.
It is not about being perfect. It is about being steady. Being there. Giving a child the chance to feel safe, believed in, and able to grow.
Mick began fostering at 53 and says he only wishes he had started earlier.
There are children right now who need someone willing to show up for them.
That person could be you.