A NORTH Yorkshire woman who has transformed the lives of over 80 children through fostering has spoken of her shock after being made MBE in the New Year’s Honours list.

Ruth Ive, 67, from Burton-in-Lonsdale on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, said she was so surprised to be recognised that she originally thought the email notifying her of the honour was a scam – and deleted it.

Mrs Ive, who lives with her husband Andy, said the recognition is not just for her, but for every foster carer who helps children feel safe, valued and cared for.

She said: “It’s not the kind of news you expect to receive via an email.

Ruth Ive, who lives with her husband, Andy, in Burton-in-Lonsdale on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, has received an MBE for her contribution to foster care.

placeholder image — Ruth Ive, who lives with her husband, Andy, in Burton-in-Lonsdale on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, has received an MBE for her contribution to foster care.

“I thought people are normally informed in the post, so I deleted the email. This was followed up by a second email which I also deleted.

It wasn’t until a phone call from the Cabinet Office that I thought to myself, ‘this is real’.”

Mrs Ive said fostering was not an issue that she and her husband knew a great deal about back in 1995, but once they completed the application process, they have thrived with offering dozens of children a new home over the years.

The mother-of-two said: “In the early days children were moved more frequently, sadly.

“We quickly came to the realisation that it was better for children to stay in one place and so we've tried to offer long-term fostering.

“There have been challenges over the years as well as joys and triumphs. I have never felt like giving up, three of our long-term children have become part of our family.”

Mrs Ive went onto acknowledge the value of fostering and highlighted what a fulfilling role it is for those who choose to take it on.

She continued: "I do not feel that I particularly deserve this award more than any other carer.

"Andy has always supported me and encouraged our fostering career. This should be a joint award.

“Even after 30 years I still get really anxious before each new child comes, but we wouldn’t have it any other way”

Fostering is open to single people, couples, those with children, renters and homeowners of all backgrounds.

As of September this year, North Yorkshire Council had 419 children in foster care and the authority said there is an urgent need for more foster families to come forward.