A caring couple who have devoted their lives and careers to helping others following a personal tragedy have won a top award.

In a glittering ceremony at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel, Melanie and Daren Stirling were handed silver in The Peter Clarke Award for Promoting Excellence in Services for Children and Young People category sponsored by Morgan LaRoche Solicitors at this year's Wales Care Awards.

Melanie, a former magistrate, and her husband, former HGV driver Daren, from Undy, in Monmouthshire, are foster carers and more recently became Shared Lives Carers for the South East Wales Shared Lives Scheme.

The couple made the move to Undy for a quieter life from Cardiff following a personal tragedy which saw Melanie’s nephew killed in a single punch attack.

Melanie, 58, and Daren, 59, who have a deep love for caring for others, have two sons and the couple have also become foster carers to two boys.

They recently moved into an adult care role under the Shared Lives Scheme to be able to continue caring for their eldest foster child.

Melanie says she is very proud of the family she has built around her and loves nothing more than seeing everyone around the table at Christmas.

The couple’s journey into fostering began in 2016 when they met two brothers, aged nine and 10, through a mutual friend.

The boys were in the care of social services and in need of a permanent home. Melanie and Daren grew incredibly attached to the brothers and were deeply concerned about their lack of a stable, loving home. Compelled by their affection and concern, they reached out to social services, expressing their desire to provide a long-term home for the boys.

Since then, Melanie and Daren have worked tirelessly to enable the brothers’ integration into their family, recognising the importance of creating a cohesive and supportive environment.

Melanie is also involved in running a support group for parents and children with ASD need while Daren has become the mental health first aider at the company where he works.

Shared Lives Worker Ruth Rees, who nominated the couple for the award, said: “Daren and Mel have demonstrated exceptional growth and development throughout their care journey.

“They have shown remarkable resilience in this regard, continuously seeking out ways to improve their care and support. Whether it’s through attending training sessions, collaborating with professionals, or simply being present and attentive, they ensure that the individuals in their care receive the best possible support.

“Melanie and Daren’s dedication to these daily aspects of care highlights their exceptional commitment and the profound difference they make in the lives of those they support.”

Melanie said: “I get pleasure from helping others and I have never sought recognition and praise, I just love what I do. But it is a real honour.

“I am so proud of the family I have built, it was meant to be. And there is nothing nicer than seeing the whole family around the table at Christmas. That’s what I love most.”