TWO foster mums say bringing up a youngster together for the last 12 years has had a “life-changing” impact on their lives.

Sue Mason and Fay Munson, from Rayne, have been permanent foster mums to 15-year-old Andrea, who has cerebral palsy, since she she was just two.

The couple fostered her 12 and a half years ago through Barnardo’s adoption services.

Barnardo’s has just launched an urgent appeal to find more foster carers in Essex – backed by the Only Way is Essex stars Lydia Bright and Debbie Douglas.

The number of children in care in England has soared by more than a quarter over the past decade but the number of approved carers dropping by 950 last year.

Sue and Fay are telling their story in a bid to help the campaign.

Fay, who worked with children with special needs, said: “So many children are in need of good homes and we really wanted to help make a difference to a child’s life.”

Sue continued: “We have fostered Andrea since she was 2½ and the experience has been life-changing.

“The first two months were challenging. Nothing can prepare you for becoming a parent, but fostering Andrea is extremely rewarding for us as a family.

“Andrea has made a huge difference to our lives and has given us so much. We couldn’t imagine life without her.

“Andrea has made such amazing progress from the little girl who first came to live with us 12½ years ago.

“She is continuously amazing us with how far she has come. Despite her disabilities Andrea has a thirst for life and a fantastic sense of humour – she loves Disney, pirates, lions, and her iPad!”

“Andrea is extremely vulnerable because of her learning disabilities, but she is also a very determined little person who knows what she likes and what she doesn’t, so she needs a family who can help her fulfil her potential.”

Sue added: “Andrea’s life is about having fun wherever and however she is able to, and so we help her to find all the fun things in life and enjoy them.

“We have become master make-believe story-tellers and puppeteers and we have been to Disneyland Paris three times.”

Towie stars Lydia Bright, 29, and Debbie Douglas, 57, are the Barnardo’s charity celeb champions.

The Towie mother and daughter have been fostering for more than 25 years, helping over 250 children.

Debbie said: “Having a safe and caring family is so important when you are growing up. With so many more children coming into care, it’s so crucial that more people become foster carers.

“Knowing you can provide that loving family for a child when they need it most is so rewarding and can really help to transform their lives – and yours.”

Lydia added: “We are proud to play a part in helping them to have a happy childhood and positive future.”

Barnardo’s says a lack of support for families before reaching a crisis point is one of the reasons why more children are ending up in care.

To find out more about becoming a foster carer, call Barnardo’s on 01892 510 650 or visit barnardos.org.uk/fostering.