Erdington Couple's 22-Year Fostering Journey Recognised with Prestigious Award
A married couple from Erdington, who have opened their home to around 80 foster children over the past 22 years, have been celebrated with a special community honour for their exceptional kindness and commitment. Javaid and Samina Iqbal are the latest recipients of the Community Hero Award, presented by Scrivens Opticians and Hearing Care, acknowledging their profound contribution to young lives in Birmingham.
A Heartfelt Nomination from a Personal Connection
The Iqbals were nominated by Michael Nazir, manager of the Erdington branch of Scrivens, who was himself fostered as a child. Nazir highlighted their two-decade relationship with the opticians, attending appointments with both their biological and foster children. "I've seen first-hand the difference they make - giving young people stability, a home life and ongoing support, and I know from personal experience how much that matters," he said. "They are a true inspiration. They haven't just changed the lives of the children in their care, they've touched everyone lucky enough to know them. They are genuine Community Heroes."
A Family Dedicated to Care and Compassion
Javaid and Samina began their fostering journey when their two eldest children were just one and two years old, later expanding their family with two more children. Today, their four children—aged 24, 23, 18, and 14—have grown up in a household where fostering is a natural part of life. This environment has inspired their career paths:
- Their two daughters have pursued social work.
- Their eldest son works as a railway engineer and aspires to become a foster parent himself.
In 2023, the couple's efforts were further recognised with British Empire Medals (BEMs), underscoring their national impact.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
The fostering path has not been without difficulties. Samina underwent treatment for breast cancer, receiving the all-clear last year, yet the couple continued to foster throughout her chemotherapy and radiotherapy. They currently provide long-term care for four youngsters, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Javaid reflected, "Fostering brings so much satisfaction, reward and joy. Many of the children we've welcomed into our home over the years have become extended family. Growing up alongside them has given our own children a deep sense of empathy - something that feels increasingly rare."
He added that the award has brought much-needed positivity, "The last couple of years have been tough, so this award has put a real smile on our faces to match Samina's remission."
Celebration and Community Impact
The award presentation took place at Scrivens' Erdington branch on High Street, where the Iqbals received a bouquet, sweet treats, and a £100 voucher. Scrivens Opticians and Hearing Care, a family-run business established in 1938, operates 166 high street stores across England and Wales with 1,000 employees, emphasising its deep community roots.
For those interested in fostering, Birmingham Children’s Trust can be contacted at 0121 303 7575 for more information. This story highlights the transformative power of foster care and the enduring legacy of compassion within the Erdington community.
