Ayr couple applauded for 38 years of caring for kids

Dec 18 2009 by Cheryl Mcevoy, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

THEY’VE been caring for others for 38 years.

And now Margaret and Jimmy Whyte have decided that it’s time for change.

The big hearted couple retired after helping shape the lives of countless young people.

They were foster carers for 23 years before becoming shared carers in 1994.

Margaret has also worked as a childminder and provided placements for the children and families’ disability team over the years.

But she insists that she got just as much out of the experience as those she cared for.

She explained: “Our family had a lot to give and I enjoyed caring which is why I did it for so long.”

The couple were invited to a special celebration in Ayr’s County Buildings where guests heard how they supported numerous young people through traumatic times in their lives.

Their work with the shared care team allowed parents much needed respite while Margaret and Jimmy cared fro the children.

Councillor John Allan was at the celebration and was impressed by the pair’s many achievements.

He said: “I felt very humble in the presence of Margaret and Jimmy Whyte.

“The couple have just kept on giving to young people year after year, they have opened up their home, their hearts and their lives, putting others needs before their own.

“Many young people find themselves in need of additional support, through no fault of their own. It is reassuring to know that people like Margaret and Jimmy are there to provide support and guidance to the young people and to their parents and families.”

After presenting them with a plaque, Councillor Allan added: “The couple have spent nearly all of their married life working with the social work department, as foster and adoptive parents, as shared carers, and through Margaret’s childminding with day care link.

“In addition they have also adopted four daughters.

“On behalf of everyone they have supported over the years I would like to thank Margaret and Jimmy for everything they have done. They are an inspiration to us all.”