A Haverhill carer and her husband have applied to become foster parents following an appeal earlier this year for more people to come forward to plug the shortfall.

Gemma Curtis, 33 and her husband Michael Curtis, 30, said they are keen to provide a child with “a loving and caring home” after they heard about the shortage of foster parents in the east of England.

The couple have registered with the Little Acorns Fostering agency, based in Great Wratting, near Haverhill, and their application is now being considered.

Little Acorns, which is rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, launched its appeal in July after figures by the Fostering Network showed an additional 610 foster families were needed in the East of England in 2017.

Mrs Curtis said: “I know a few foster parents already who have told me how rewarding they find it helping vulnerable children in need of a loving and supportive family environment.

“When I heard about the appeal I discussed it with my husband and we decided it is something we would really like to do.

“We do not have children of our own and we have a three-bedroom home so we feel we are in a good position to make a positive change to a child’s life.”

Since the appeal there has been a significant increase in the amount of enquiries about becoming a foster parent and with seven new families, including Mr and Mrs Curtis, registering with the agency.

Cheryl Jillions, registered manager at Little Acorns Fostering, said: “We are delighted by the response to the appeal and we applaud people like Mr and Mrs Curtis for stepping forward and we are hopeful they will soon be able to provide vulnerable children with the stable home they need. “Although we have had a good response so far we still need more people to come forward to help us meet the demand for more foster parents.

“Foster parents are very special people who provide a remarkable service. To provide a loving and caring home to vulnerable children and to help put them on the right path in life is simply an amazing thing to do.”

Mrs Curtis added: “Both my husband and I are really keen to provide children with a loving and caring home.

“Some of the children in care have been through a really awful time and we would like to help make a positive change in their lives by showing them love, encouragement and support.

“Even just the little things like taking the children to the zoo or out for a meal could help make their lives so much happier.”

For more information on Little Acorns Fostering, visit www.littleacornsfostering.co.uk Alternatively, telephone 01440 732010 or email enquiries@littleacornsfostering.co.uk