Leeds foster carer wins unsung hero award

The Compassionate City Awards celebrate the positive and compassionate work individuals and organisations do to make a difference to their communities. Their work helps to improve the lives of local people and supports the council’s vision for Leeds to be the best city in the UK.

The winner of Unsung Hero of the Year was Janet Wilcock, a Foster4Leeds foster carer specialising in fostering babies who are withdrawing from drugs or alcohol. Over 22 years, Janet has fostered 70 babies who are born addicted to drugs or alcohol, caring for them from birth until they are aged one to two years old, when they move on, usually to adoption.

This is an important role requiring dedication and skill, as these babies are born ill and in need of intensive 24-hour care. Janet is supported by a team around her, including friends, family and social workers. When Janet began fostering, it was not routine for adoptive parents to retain contact with foster carers. But now, adoptive parents are encouraged to keep in touch, so Janet is a much-loved member of many babies’ extended families. Janet looks after all these babies alongside a teenager who has lived with her for over 10 years.

The winner in the Community Sports Project of the Year category was Farsley Celtic Deaf FC. Established in 2016 from the old Leeds Deaf FC, they have risen to be one of the best teams in England and Europe. This year they are the EDF (England Deaf Football) Challenge Cup Winners, EDF League Championship Final Winners and came third in the Deaf Champions League in Athens. They benefit the whole community because of their achievements and create a real sense of togetherness.

Also celebrated for their outstanding work was Hyde Park Source, winner of Environmental Achievement of the Year. Hyde Park Source currently run seven different weekly volunteer gardening groups, two within Leeds Museums and Galleries, at Leeds Industrial Museum and Kirkstall Abbey. They continually create a space where anyone can feel welcome to come and take part in a gardening session, make friends and enjoy nature.

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, said: “These annual awards celebrate the outstanding work people around our city are doing every day in their communities or for the wider city.

“Our ambition is for Leeds to be the best city in the UK and that is exactly what these people are championing.

“There are so many incredible unsung heroes who showcase the best that Leeds has to offer, and it is vital that they get the recognition they deserve for making Leeds a better place for everyone. Congratulations to all the winners!”

Full list of winners:

Unsung Sporting Hero of the Year: Alan Hunter

Unsung Hero of the Year: Janet Wilcock

Diversity Project of the Year: Happy Tears Foundation

Health and Wellbeing Project of the Year: Hawa Bah

Community Sports Project of the Year: Farsley Celtic Deaf FC

Community Organisation or Project of the Year: Getting Clean CIC

Environmental Achievement of the Year: Hyde Park Source

Jo Cox Award: Horsforth Town of Sanctuary

Fundraising achievement of the Year: Bev Yearwood

Special recognition award: Tom Riordan

ENDS