Diss man face of Suffolk Fostering and Adoption campaign

A Diss man is the face of a county-wide campaign that seeks to encourage people to consider fostering or adopting a child.

Bob Feast, together with his wife Sheila, has been fostering children for the past 15 years.

This year, Bob has been selected to represent Suffolk Fostering and Adoption on a poster and social media campaign to help raise awareness of foster care and help recruit new carers.

One of the posters, which is displayed at Ipswich Railway Station, has already caused people to recognise the 76-year-old in the streets.

“The woman selling the Big Issue was very excited to tell me she had seen the poster,” said Bob. “We had a good laugh about it.”

The retired building society manager fostered three children before moving on to respite care, looking after children on short-term breaks, which allows full-time foster parents to have some time off.

As respite carers, Bob and Sheila have taken in more than 30 children, from one day to up to six months.

“I enjoy the challenge of helping young people at a difficult time in their lives,” said the father-of-two.

“My wife has worked with children all her life and, now that our own children have flown the nest, it’s good that we can give children a home and a family life.

“At times, we have very challenging children with complex needs.”

The couple’s efforts have been appreciated by Suffolk Fostering and Adoption service, with a spokesman saying: “Bob and Sheila have fostered for 15 years and continue to be a fantastic asset to our service.

“We greatly appreciate the love, care and commitment they give to our children.

“There are many different types of fostering; whether it’s permanent or short term, teenagers or siblings, or children with additional needs,” added the spokesman.

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