OUR Pride of Gwent Awards have received hundreds of nominations from all over the region for people who do amazing work.

Sylvia Heaven has been nominated, for the Achiever Award, by her daughter Tracy because she has dedicated her life to taking care of more than 150 foster children.

And it all began when she saw an advert in our newspaper.

“In 1972, I saw an advert in the Argus for foster carers and I applied,” Mrs Heaven said.

“I was accepted and the first boy I fostered was three. He was 16 when he left.”

Also working as a childminder at time, Mrs Heaven then fostered another little boy, and a girl.

She continued to foster for the next 44 years.

“I just love turning children’s lives around and giving them the chance to experience a nice happy home,” she added.

“We enjoy holidays and having adventures. I always make sure the children leave with nice album photos and a present. Then I wait for the next child and start again.”

The 70-year-old, who has two sons and a daughter of her own, also adopted another girl when she was two.

She said she can have foster children for a variety of periods. Some stay for a few months while others remain with her for much longer. Many of the children Mrs Heaven fosters have come to her as babies, and she admits that it can be hard to say goodbye.

“I’m not good at the parting, because I foster mainly babies and I get quite attached,” she added. “I always feel supported, and I love doing it.

“I feel I was put here to look after other people.”

There are only a few days left for you to send your nominations for the Pride of Gwent Awards, which contain the following categories:

  • 999 hero Award
  • Charity Champion Award
  • Life Saver Award
  • Special Recognition Award
  • Community Hero Award
  • Courage Award Award
  • Achiever Award
  • Good Samaritan Award
  • Volunteer Award
  • Carer Award
  • Local Hero Award
  • Environment Award
  • Lifetime Achievement Award

To nominate someone for an award fill in the form here. 

The closing date for nominations is January 27. with a judging panel picking winners in February followed by a ceremony in March at the Coldra Court Hotel by Celtic Manor.

South Wales Argus: