A mother from Tower Hamlets who has given a home to almost 30 children has been awarded for her foster caring.

Afia Choudhury, who has four sons, has cared for 27 children over the past 15 years.

Last week, she was given The Fostering Network’s President’s Award for her contribution to care.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted and deeply honoured to be receiving this prestigious award from The Fostering Network.

“I would like to thank Tower Hamlets who listened, guided and supported me over the years, and gave me the opportunity to support some of the wonderful children I have been lucky to look after.”

Afia and her husband Kamruz currently care for three foster children, who’ve lived with the couple for the last seven years. The children will remain with the family until they reach adulthood.

“I came into fostering to make a difference to children, but actually they’ve made a difference to my life,” Afia added.

“I would love for others who are perhaps thinking about becoming foster carers to please come forward. Fostering has been a life-transforming experience, which I would not change for anything.”

Mayor of Tower Hamlets, John Biggs, said: “Afia is an absolute inspiration to everyone at Tower Hamlets. She has offered a loving home to almost 30 foster children over the years and we cannot underestimate just what a difference that has made to their lives and in making our borough a better place.

“I am thrilled that she has won this award. We have many children who need a foster home and the difference one person can make is profound.”

More than 65,000 children currently live with foster families in the UK, but another 8,100 foster families are still needed to provide homes for the rest of 2018.

Ishara Tewary, the fostering team manager at Tower Hamlets who nominated Afia, said: “It has been said that fostering runs through Afia’s blood. She is truly an outstanding foster carer. As well as providing a fantastically nurturing home to three young children who are happy, settled and achieving brilliant things, the fostering world benefits from her passion, dedication and positivity.”

Afia was given her award by children’s minister, Nadhim Zahawi, and was one of 21 to be awarded.