Inspirational Wishaw couple have opened their hearts and home to scores of kids

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Lanarkshire couple Tom and Mary Rattray pity the birth parents who miss out on their little one’s first smile, their first tooth, their first steps, their first word.They feel sorry that the people who brought them into the world don’t have the opportunity to wave their child off on their first day at school, or spoil them at Christmas and on their birthdays.When Tom and Mary’s work is done and a child or young person leaves their care to return to their biological parents or move into their forever home with an adoptive family, often there are tears in the Rattray household.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android But, with 30 years of fostering under their belts, the rewards they reap by playing even a small part in a child’s turbulent life are immeasurable.It was back in 1992 when mum-of-three Mary was working in a creche in Gowkthrapple, Wishaw, that North Lanarkshire Council mounted a recruitment drive for respite carers in the area, and she decided to find out more.Soon, the couple were welcoming babies, toddlers, children and young people, whose parents were sick or had lost their way, into their family for short and long-term respite.For the couple’s own kids, Greg, Mari and Thomas, sharing their home with other people’s children soon became a natural part of growing up.Among those to join the