A HEROIC foster carer is urging more people to come forward and follow in his footsteps.

Kevin Kerr, of Kilngate The Small Animal Sanctuary just outside of Welton, is calling for more LGBT+ foster carers.

Cumbria County Council says that only one in seven adoptions nationally were by same-sex couples and have been holding a number of information events this week in an effort to break down barriers and remove stigma.

The call comes in the midst of LGBT+ Adoption and Fostering Week, which ends today.

Kevin, who is gay, lives with his partner, who both care for four young boys in their home.

One is currently studying at university, one is cared for via Cumbria County Council’s Shared Lives programme, while two are in foster care.

The 48-year-old says adoption was a way for him and his partner to have a family of their own.

“We are a family of five, me and my partner,” explained Kevin.

“We are permanent foster carers, but children can be dropped as they are growing up.

"It is better for them to have long-term placements where they don't move. We have five boys. They can stay in foster care until they are 18.

"Our eldest are 24 and 22."

Aged 24, James has now moved out of the family home but he still keeps in regular contact.

Three of the children the couple have adopted have special needs and have attended, or are attending, James Rennie School in the Kingstown area of Carlisle.

"Our eldest has just got married, which was really great. We were very much friends of the groom.

"All my family were there, it was a very very good day. You get these (heartwarming moments) all the time and when you look back at what they have achieved throughout their lives before you and with you, it is quite amazing really."

For Kevin, fostering was a natural progression after a career working with children.

"I worked in a school as a nursery nurse and got to see loads of children and families of children struggling in foster care.

"I thought, I would love to do the parent thing as well as the teacher thing. I looked at it with Cumbria County Council, I went through all the checks."

The couple first started by offering respite care for those who needed it, before they then took in both a 12 and 14-year-old whose family had passed away.

They have been living with Kevin and the family ever since.

"If you have room in your home and your heart, then go for it," says Kevin.

"We are a gay couple, we have been for 25 years and this isn't a barrier to becoming a parent, it isn't anything to stop you.

"Anyone can adopt. If you have room you are able to. If you can, you should go for it.

"It is very rewarding for you personally and it gives someone the love they need.

"Everybody needs love and stability and a foster carer can do that. It doesn't matter if you are gay or lesbian."

Kevin said anyone who wants to find out more can get in contact with him, or call the Cumbria County Council adoption and fostering team on 0303 333 1216.

Anne Burns, cabinet member for children’s services for Cumbria County Council, said: “There is no such thing as a ‘typical’ adopter or foster carer – we need people to come forward from all backgrounds, just the like the children who need looking after.

“We welcome applications from people of any sexuality or gender and very much hope to encourage more people to come forward from the LGBT+ community in Cumbria to find out more during this important awareness week.

“What matters is that you have the room at home and in your heart for a child who may not have had a great start in life.”