Today local foster carer Judith Scott and Carlisle teacher Liz Barnsley celebrates receiving one of England's first 'Believe in Me' Awards.
They are two of just twenty five national winners who will receive their awards at a special ceremony at Claridge's Hotel in London later today. 750 nominations were received from children and young people across England.
For the first time children and young people have been able to nominate an adult who has gone that extra mile to make a real difference to their life in public care.
Judith Scott is a foster carer for Cumbria County Council. She was nominated by Tony aged 14 who is the country's youngest ever nominator. Tony says:
"In a countdown of the world's best foster carers, Judith would be top of the chart. She has taken me into her home and spoiled me rotten. Through all of the problems I have faced there has been only one person I could talk to and that is Judith."
Liz Barnsley, head of year at St Aidans County High School in Carlisle was nominated by Ruth age 16. Ruth said:
"Liz got me through the hardest time of my life. She was the only professional who tried to understand what I was feeling. She cared about me, whereas I felt others were just doing their jobs. She was the only one who stayed involved all through and that made me feel secure. When I felt really alone she was the only one there for me. Words can't express how important Liz is to me. She is a very special person with very special qualities and a big heart. She is a great inspiration and stands up for what she believes in."
An overall national winner will be announced at today's ceremony. The winner will be presented with an award from Margaret Hodge Minister of State for children, young people and families. The awards have been organised by The Who Cares? Trust, and funded by the Department for Education and Skills.
County councillor John Mallinson, cabinet spokesman for care and social services said:
"It's wonderful to see two people from Cumbria win such a prestigious award. It just goes to show how much of a difference people can make. I hope this inspires more people to get involved and become foster carers, social workers, teachers or other professionals that children who are in public care can look up to."
Margaret Hodge, Minister of State for children , young people and families says:
"This Award scheme is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the work of all those people who make a difference to the lives of children and young people in care, and to ensure they receive the recognition they deserve. I hope this event will inspire and encourage even more people to consider working with children - as foster carers, social workers, teachers, residential workers and children's rights workers. This important work can have an invaluable impact on the lives of many children."
For more information check out www.thewhocarestrust.org.uk/believeinme