AFTER the last of their eight children flew the coop, Port Macquarie couple Donna-Maree and Stephen Marsh faced an empty and quiet family home.
Their children urged them to relax in the peace and quiet, but Donna-Maree felt they could do more and decided to try foster caring.
Originally, the couple intended to become respite, short-term carers, but circumstances changed and they took on the care of five siblings aged between 8 and 14.
“We didn’t have intentions of becoming permanent carers but when we were asked, Stephen and I decided we were more than happy and prepared enough to look after the kids permanently,” she said.
“There have been challenges, but we couldn’t be happier with our decision and wouldn’t change it for the world.”
As a result of the Marsh family’s care, the four sisters and one brother were able to stay together.
The children require a high level of care due to health and development issues but over the four years the couple have seen vast improvements in their behaviour and development.
“Each child has made leaps and bounds in their confidence and development. It has been amazing for us to help them along the way,” Donna-Maree said.
Apart from their eight children and the five foster siblings, Donna-Maree and Stephen are grandparents to seven grandchildren, which makes for big family get-togethers.
“Everyone gets along well and the kids all muck around and play together. It’s great to see them all interacting.”
Donna-Maree said she would be having a low-key Mother’s Day after the family had a large gathering last Sunday.
“We had all the grandkids over, so that was a special day,” she said.
