Zoe Hutton from Pembrokeshire has won a Fostering Excellence Award, the UK’s most prestigious fostering accolade, recognising her exceptional achievements.
Zoe won the Outstanding Achievement Award at The Fostering Network’s annual awards ceremony this afternoon, which was sponsored by The Mortgage Brain, this year’s headline sponsor.
Coming into foster care was a challenging time for Zoe, but with perseverance, hard work and encouragement, she has already achieved so much.
Zoe is a shining example of how anything is possible when you put your mind to it. With the help and support of her foster carers Mike and Pippa Thomas, and thanks to her ‘can do’ attitude and zest for life, Zoe has seized numerous opportunities – from an army preparation course in college to working with the Prince’s Trust to build a career in delivering beauty treatments, training hard to gain the necessary qualifications.
Zoe’s strong work ethic, kindness and ‘fighter’ attitude have made her foster carers incredibly proud – and she continues to add more and more achievements to her belt!
She is currently working in Melbourne, having travelled around Asia, a dream she worked hard to achieve, working tirelessly at three jobs to fund her travelling.
She is having the time of her life and has grown enormously in confidence during her year travelling.
Melany Evans, Service Manager from Pembrokeshire County Council said: “We are so proud of Zoe winning this Outstanding Achievement Award. Zoe has demonstrated her determination to achieve her goals. This is a moment to reflect on the amazing achievements of our young people and of our fantastic foster carers who go the extra mile and ensure that aspirations can become reality.”
Kevin Williams, chief executive of The Fostering Network, added: “Congratulations to Zoe on winning the Outstanding Achievement award.
“Every year it’s a privilege to hear the inspiring stories of those within the fostering community. We are delighted to shine a light on these incredible people, celebrate their achievements and show our appreciation for them.
“Our winners and everyone else involved in foster care should be extremely proud of themselves.
“Their contribution makes a vital difference to the lives of children and young people, and they are the bedrock of children’s social care – thank you for all that you do.”
The event, which was held at Birmingham’s Repertory Theatre, was attended by members of the fostering community from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
