FOSTERING in Muslim households is not common, but one woman was determined not to follow tired stereotypes

Mrs Anjam Sheikh of Blackburn, had already been told she would struggle to have more children and decided to foster instead.

After more than 10 years of fostering, she calls on other Muslim families in Blackburn with Darwen to do the same.

The oud stall owner at Blackburn Market, has fostered 15 children between the ages of five and 10.

On why she started fostering, the 41-year-old said: “I realised there are children without that love, and just to see them smile again is a gift.

“When they come to you, they aren’t always thinking about school life, and instead worry about what is happening to them.

“You have to be there and reassure them that someone does care. We have an obligation to give that love back.

“You have to give them love and attention. Most foster carers treat the children like they are their own.”

The mother of one, understands that it is not easy for parents with other children, who may get jealous or not understand.

But she said there is a way to make them understand what you are doing and why, so that they also feel like they are involved.

She said: “Speak to your children about it too and tell them about why you are doing it and how good it is for another child.

“Have a discussion as a family, involve them so that they feel like they are helping.

“If you decide to go for it, start off by looking after children of a young age and see how you get on.”

“My son was also okay with it and it gave him a chance to see not everyone is the same and it’s our job to help them.”

But, not everyone was as supportive in her family. As her extended family questioned why she would want to look after someone else’s child.

Mrs Sheikh said: “I told them that because I can, I should.

“If anything happened to you, you would want your child to go into a loving home and have a good chance at life. You have to take that into consideration.

“Religiously, it’s a tremendous reward our own prophet (pbuh) was an orphan too, and he also looked after an orphan child.”

“You wouldn’t abandon your own child if they have you a hard time, and just like that you cannot just leave a foster child, so if you foster, it’s a commitment.”