Former foster carer and retired teacher inspires food donations for children in need

A FORMER foster carer has been inspiring food donations for children in need by the staff at the Northallerton care home where she lives.

Anne Boyd, 77, a resident at Beechwood Care Home, on Romanby Road, wanted to support the North Yorkshire town’s children so they do not go hungry in the run up to Christmas.

She has fostered over 50 children with her husband, Jim Boyd, and says she knows children who eat well learn better.

Anne was a teacher for over 15 years, working with Year 2 pupils at a primary school. Among a career teaching all subjects, she specialised as a swimming instructor, boasting “no child ever left my infants class without being able to swim”.

On seeing the campaign led by footballer Marcus Rashford MBE, who helped raise awareness of children going hungry during school holidays, Anne wanted to do something to help.

She said: “I understand what it’s like for children to be trying to have lessons when they are hungry. I’ve seen how children’s education is impacted negatively if they haven’t eaten well. So I wanted to do something positive when I heard about the free school meals debacle.”

She has inspired those working at Beechwood Care Home to start collecting tinned veg, soup, pasta, cake mix, biscuits and other treats.

The items have been donated to the Hambleton Food Share, at The Living Rooms, on Garthway Arcade, Northallerton.

Anne said: “I’ve been amazed by the response from staff. Now the children will have something to eat.”

Barbara Robinson, activities coordinator at Beechwood Care Home, said: “Anne’s stance on wanting to do something to ensure children were eating well during this difficult time was an inspiration for the staff.

“Everyone has been bringing in loads of tinned and dried goods, which Hambleton Food Share has been picking up from the home.

“With Christmas coming, the cold weather having set in, and many children learning from home due to school closures, now is as important as ever that we all do out bit to support those in need.”

Anyone wishing to support Hambleton Food Share through food donations, money, or time can find further information on their website www.hambletonfoodshare.org.uk.