AN ABERYSTWYTH woman has been named as the Co-op’s Mother of all Mothers after fostering more than 300 children.

Mum-of-five Tess Truss, 65, has been awarded the title by the food retailer for her commitment to helping hundreds of young people during her 21 years of fostering – attending countless parents’ evenings, sport days, and school plays.

The Co-op partnered with the National Fostering Agency Group in a national search to find the ultimate mum.

With five children of her own, Tess would look after up to six children at any one time during her career and was often nicknamed “Nanny Tess” or “Gran” by those she fostered and is even godmother to the children of someone she had fostered. Now retired, Tess helps to look after her nine grandchildren and still cares for two young people under a special guardianship.

Tess said: “I’m so honoured to be recognised in this way. My children spurred me to start fostering and whilst it has been tough, there’s nothing more rewarding that helping those who need it most.

“I’ve always strived to make their lives as normal as possible so those that have stayed with us have been on family holidays, received the same amount of Christmas presents and I’m always there on sport days shouting the kids on.”

Tess’ dedication also inspired her daughter, Liz, to foster. Now 36, she became the youngest foster carer in Wales at the age of 25. With four children of her own, she has had many long-term foster placements as well as caring for children with severe autism by offering regular respite during the week and weekends to allow parents to have a break.

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