Graham Curtis

The 58-year-old dad-of-three has been looking after other people’s children for 27 years.

The second child Graham took in is still living with his family.

Andrew Turner was just eight months old when he was welcomed into the Curtis household.

At 16 he was so much part of the family he changed his name to Curtis and at 22 he moved out.

Tragically he was involved in a car crash shortly afterwards.

He was lucky to survive and left with a broken back and neck, a spleen injury and brain damage.

Graham has been caring for Andrew ever since, taking him to medical appointments and support groups.

Many of his other foster children stay in touch and he is currently looking after two teenagers.

In addition to fostering children, Graham has also been a volunteer for the St John’s Ambulance for more than 20 years as well as running a farm business delivering coal.

Asked what motivates him to do so much for others he said: “It’s just me”.

He told the Daily Echo: “I’ve always been the same, if I can help someone I will. There are people out there who have done a lot more than me.”

“If a builder asked me to give him a hand for an hour and I could spare the hour I would. That’s how I lived my life, I’ve always been independent and got involved in everything.

“Fostering can be full of stress and strain but when you know you have helped make a difference and kept someone on the straight and narrow it can be very rewarding.”

He was nominated for the award by his daughter Catherine Watling, of Merryoak, who said: “My sister and I know if we need anything he will help us out, whatever the problem is.

“I think he deserves a medal but a holiday would be great.”