Couple to retire after 34 years caring for adults
BBCA couple are preparing to retire after 34 years of sharing their home with vulnerable adults who cannot live on their own.
Sue and Pete Hanne, from Hereford, were recently invited to Windsor Castle for a royal reception, to say thank you for their work.
Sue said sharing their home with strangers "just became normal to us".
Herefordshire Council, which runs the Shared Lives scheme which the couple were a part of, said their contribution had been "extraordinary".
The couple said they helped people over the age of 18 with a range of issues, including learning difficulties and mental health problems.
Some of those people stayed for more than 20 years, with the longest leaving recently after 27 years at their house.
The council said they "supported many individuals through long-term, family‑style arrangements, giving people confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging".
The Shared Lives programme is looking for more people to join, with carers first going through a three-to-six month assessment.
Those taking part can care for up to three people at a time and are given about £600 per week per adult by the council.
The Herefordshire councillor responsible for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, Carole Gandy, said: "Their retirement marks the end of a truly inspiring chapter in Shared Lives caring, and their recognition by the King and Queen is incredibly well deserved."
She said she hoped their story would be inspirational to others.
The event at Windsor Castle brought together hundreds of carers from all over the UK and the couple both got to meet the King and Queen.
Sue said it had been "amazing" and there were "lots of canapes coming around, lots of champagne".
The couple said when they explained to the King what they did, he told them: "You must be very patient."
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