Holt chef and restaurateur Michael Carr has been appointed Patron of The Foster Care Charity, drawing on his own childhood experience of the care system to support children, young people and foster families.
Michael, who owns Michael's Bistro in Holt, spent much of his childhood in care and credits his foster carers with providing the stability and encouragement that helped him build his life and career.
He will now work with the charity to raise awareness of fostering, support fundraising and champion the experiences of children and young people in care.
Michael said: "My foster carers changed my life, and I'll always be grateful for what they did for me. If sharing my story helps even one child or encourages more people to understand fostering, then it's worth it."
Michael has built a career in Norfolk's hospitality industry and runs Michael's Bistro with his partner Charlotte.
His new role will see him use his own experiences to help highlight the difference foster carers can make to children who need a safe and supportive home.
Barbara Allies, Deputy CEO of The Foster Care Charity, said:
"We're delighted to welcome Michael as our new Patron. His journey is inspiring, and his passion for helping others makes him a wonderful ambassador for children and young people with care experience."
Michael hopes the appointment will encourage more people to learn about fostering while helping to amplify the voices of foster families and young people with experience of the care system.
