Two people brave enough to care for those with severe disabilities

He had worked in child care for much of his life, but it was the burning desire of Caroleanne that convinced him it was a good idea.

"We were getting married and I wasn't too sure about the idea of looking after other people's children. We both have two children to previous relationships, but it was clear that it was what Caroleanne really wanted to do. I had worked in a number of children's homes and realised there was a group of children who would be better served in a family environment rather than an institution," says Michael, 65.

"I had a difficult childhood," recalls Caroleanne. "And I just felt that I could relate to some of the things these children had been though and therefore had something to offer them."

The couple have written a book about their experiences of fostering 12 children and adults with both physical disabilities and learning difficulties. They still give a home to two adults, aged 23 and 56, with learning difficulties.

Angels are not just for Christmas is an emotional and often funny account of the couple's experiences of fostering over the last 16 years. The couple from Horsforth, Leeds, who have changed their names to protect the identities of the children in the book, hope their book will help other foster carers and professionals working in the field of child protection.

"Over the years, with training and experience, we have worked out a number of strategies for dealing with children with challenging behaviour which we hope will help others," says Michael.

The couple went into short-term fostering under the Family Placement scheme, first offering weekend respite to families struggling to cope with a disabled child.

But then they offered emergency placements for children in need of immediate care. One such case was Ruby who came to the Johns for two weeks and stayed two years.

Ruby has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair. She is doubly incontinent and when she was placed with the couple, she did not sleep and screamed constantly.

"Ruby was a great challenge," admits Caroleanne. "She just didn't sleep. My daughter was with us at the time and she was a great help, giving one to one care to Ruby and allowing me to get some sleep."

It took two years for Michael and Caroleanne to gain Ruby's confidence and during that time they built up a bond, while also looking after other children in need. They had gained some funding to build an extension and hoists to make it easier to lift her.

"It is really hard to put into words," says Michael. "But when you do eventually manage to break through then it makes all the hard work and sleepless nights worthwhile. You really love that child."

"She gave us so much joy," says Caroleanne. "It was heartbreaking when we had to take the decision for her to leave us."

Ruby was 19 when Michael was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Caroleanne was suffering Repetitive Strain Injury and the couple made the difficult decision to ask Social Services to find another home for Ruby.

"It was the hardest thing I have ever done," says Caroleanne. "In many ways I was not ready to let go. Ruby was very much like one of my own children. She was unable to understand anything of what was going on. I was feeling exhausted with the strain."

Ruby eventually was placed in a bungalow she shares with three other residents and Michael and Caroleanne keep in touch with her.

"In lots of ways Ruby has grown up," she writes in the book. "She has formed new positive relationships. She is happy and I am thrilled it has worked out so well."

Michael has been given the all clear following cancer treatment, but Caroleanne says she is still not physically strong enough to take Ruby back full-time.

She says writing the book has helped her come to terms with giving Ruby up. She has also been helped by the strong relationship with Michael and her spirituality.

She believes in guardian angels and has set up Horsforth Healing Centre where she offers spiritual guidance and reiki.

Caroleanne and Michael Johns will hold a book launch on September 18 at The Tiled Cafe, Leeds Art Gallery, 2pm to 4pm.