FINDING out she was unable to have more children was a devastating blow for Michelle Davis-Jones, but fostering has given the mum-of-one the big family she always longed for.

The 38-year-old insurance claims worker, from Westlea, wants to help raise awareness of the opportunities during Foster Care Fortnight in case there are other couples who haven’t considered this as an option.

She said: “I had four miscarriages and a failed round of IVF, which we funded ourselves, before enquiring about fostering. I’m so glad we did because it has made our family feel complete. I always wanted more children, coming from a family of two siblings and 14 cousins, and this is such a rewarding thing to do.”

Michelle and her fiancé Tim Pickett, aged 43, who is a manager at Royal Mail, currently look after two sisters aged 10 and six.

“When they first arrived they were quite unsettled and timid. But now they have come on so well – they are achieving brilliantly at school and look so much healthier and happier. All my friends say they are like different girls, which is so lovely to hear, and makes you realise you’ve made a big difference.”

When they first started fostering 18 months ago, one of their biggest reservations was how their 12-year-old son Josh would adapt.

“He was supportive in principle because he was really keen to have brothers and sisters, but you never know how it would work out in practice. Fortunately, it has gone really well and he has benefited so much from it. He has become a more caring, sharing and understanding person and he also has someone to talk to and play football with – we’re so proud of him,” she said.

Michelle enjoys the tremendous sense of achievement from seeing children progress and reach new heights. Although life can get pretty hectic juggling different commitments and activities, the family wouldn’t have it any other way.

She said: “It’s a big responsibility and sometimes tough – you’ve got to be assertive, for instance at school to make sure they’re getting on okay and everything they need. But there’s plenty of support and your efforts really reap rewards – the girls now have 100 percent attendance record and are winning awards. They actually ask to do their homework now and like having more structure and routine in their lives.”

Michelle has taken so well to fostering, she has started joking about extending their home to accommodate more children.

She said: “I sometimes say to Tim we need a fifth bedroom. My friends see me running around and ask how and why I do it. But it’s quite simple – these kids really deserve a second chance. When you hear their stories, your heart melts and you have to help. You definitely get back more than you put in – the smiles on their faces and feeling that you’ve played a part in it, are priceless.”

Swindon Borough Council needs foster carers of all ages for children of all ages, with placements lasting anything from a few days to many years. It is looking for foster carers from a range of ethnic backgrounds to reflect Swindon’s diverse population and the needs of children coming into care. Marital status, sexuality, age and whether you have children or not are no barriers to fostering. Carers receive payment and allowances to help cover their time and expenses, as well as free ongoing training to develop existing and acquire new skills.

To find out more or register interest, get in contact by calling: (01793) 464329 or emailing fosteringrecruitment@swindon.gov.uk