A statue measuring four metres tall is being placed in central London to honor a mother who raised more than 90 children.
Jo Newby, 52, from Hull, is a foster carer and grassroots football coach, and was nominated by her husband Christopher Newby, 52, to be titled the UK’s kindest hero.
The #MyKINDHero campaign by KIND healthy snack bar brand is promoting and encouraging acts of kindness.
Ms. Newby is being recognized for her 20-year experience as a foster parent. In that time, she has taken care of 92 children and adopted one.
Jo Newby traveled from Hull to witness the unveiling (Tony Kershaw/KIND).
She co-ordinates three different football teams for children in Hull, as part of the Barton Inclusive Football Club. This was established for young disabled children.
“I hope people can see it in a really positive way, that it’s not necessarily about me,”She told the PA news agency.
“It’s the embodiment of all foster carers and every grassroots football coach and volunteer.
“It’s more about representing those two really hard-working elements of our communities.
“Whilst the statue is a physical representation of me, it’s kind of a recognition to every foster carer, every grassroots volunteer.”
Ms Newby founded a new team after realising that there was not an FA accredited competitive football league for disabled under 16’s, like her son Casper, 14, to play in.
Ms. Newby stated that she hopes the statue will recognize other foster carers (Tony Kershaw/KIND).
Casper was originally adopted by his foster mother at 18 months. “football mad”.
Ms. Newby was instrumental in the establishment of three pan-disability football teams last year. These clubs allow for competitive football for young people regardless of their disability.
Ms. Newby stated: “I never really realised that standing rain soaked, freezing and covered in mud and washing sweaty kit would be so rewarding, but it really is.
“There are thousands of people across the country that do that week in, week out, for other people’s children and they deserve recognition.
“Because I think a lot of the parents who access this football will forget that actually, we are not paid, none of those people are paid, they are doing it out of love.
“Love of football and love of seeing young people being able to engage in sport.”
The statue stands four metres high in central London (Tony Kershaw/KIND).
Ms. Newby, a foster mother, sleeps for only two or three hours per night. But she says that she is happy. “in her element”When looking after or helping children.
She stated that: “Fostering starts off as a job but it becomes a lifestyle.
“Every time the house is empty, I try to convince myself that it’s time to kick back a bit, put my feet up, maybe do a bit of decorating or have a holiday.
“But within a few weeks when I have done those things, or sometimes within a few days and I am ready to go again.”
Ms. Newby and her husband had seven children during coronavirus. They currently care for Casper, their adopted son, and two foster children.