A FOSTERING service has praised an armed forces veteran for becoming a single foster dad.

Olive Branch Fostering, in Rawtenstall, praised former army serviceman Darran Kay, for becoming a foster father despite there still being a ‘taboo within the sector’ about single male carers.

Ziafat Ali, Chief Executive Officer at Olive Branch, said the child placed with Darran is doing ‘exceptionally well and is enjoying his time with him'.

He said: “This is an extraordinary case of a single man coming forward and becoming a foster carer.

“There is a taboo within the sector around single male foster carers more so an ex-armed forces veteran.

"Our carer has a child placed with him at present who is doing exceptionally well, he thoroughly enjoys his time with our carer and is thriving in all aspects of life.”

Darran, who is a father-of-two, had always looked at fostering with his ex-wife to give a home ‘to a child less fortunate’ but due to his 24-year army career, couldn’t do so.

The 46-year-old said: “On leaving the forces I did various jobs and ended up being a carer in the community, a position I enjoyed and found much satisfaction. This reinvigorated me with adoption and fostering, and now with a permanent home and my daughters both grown up, I felt it was the right time.”

Darran said he applied, not realising the length of the process, taking several months and ‘rigorous’ checks and interviews with himself, family and friends before he was ready to be a foster parent.

He said: “It was a couple of months before I had my first call in regards to a child and, having listened to the background, arranged a meeting.

“The young boy was due to move and unfortunately, we weren’t compatible as he didn’t want to live so far away from his home town. I was disappointed but understood and the search went on.

“A few weeks later, I got a call about the young lad that would eventually be placed with me. After a short notice placement he came around that night and ended up staying.

“He has been with me now for four months and everything is going well.”

Darran, from Burnley, said anyone hoping to foster a child should ‘stick with it, as the rewards far outweigh the process’.

Olive Branch have recently launched an emergency appeal for foster families in Lancashire as demand for stable and loving households has increased. A

A spokesman said: "We're reaching out to all those families who have a spare bedroom and are able to care for local children and young people.

"We know Lancashire, as a community, is very caring and close knit so we urge people to spread the message and help us find more special people like Darran."

All foster parents receive full training, have 24 hour support and are paid a fostering payment of up to £400 per week.

For more information visit www.olivebranchfostering.co.uk.