The visit, which took place last week, was organised to learn more about the ongoing research and projects at the science and technology site.

Culham Campus has been a centre for fusion research since 1965 and is known today as the largest fusion technology cluster.

It was originally the Royal Naval Air Station HMS Hornbill before being selected in the late 1950s by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) for its fusion research laboratory.

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is the national research organisation for the development of fusion energy.

Its programmes include the MAST Upgrade experiment, the JET facility, and STEP – an ambitious programme to accelerate the delivery of fusion energy, with plans to deliver a prototype powerplant.

The campus is also home to the Culham Innovation Centre, which supports start-ups and businesses in science and technology.

It offers specialist workspace and business support services to help companies grow.

Tracy Hinton and Sarah Black, from the Henley area, are sharing their experiences of therapeutic fostering as part of Oxfordshire County Council’s campaign during Foster Care Fortnight to inspire others to become carers.

Therapeutic foster care supports children who need extra care and stability due to early-life challenges.

Ms Hinton and Ms Black both began as mainstream foster carers before moving into specialist therapeutic roles.

Ms Hinton, who also works with neurodiverse children, said: “I love both the challenge and emotional reward, playing an important part in developing these young people’s self-esteem, belief and understanding in overcoming and managing their emotions.”

Ms Black, a former mental health nurse manager, said: “The therapeutic approach was particularly meaningful to me because it prioritises understanding the root causes of a child’s behaviour and providing appropriate care and responses.

“The support received from the wider Oxfordshire County Council team is invaluable and I really enjoy this work.

“Seeing its positive effects motivates me to continue helping young people overcome difficult early experiences in this way.”

Both carers receive training and support from Oxfordshire County Council’s therapeutic fostering team, helping them develop a deeper understanding of the psychology behind children’s behaviour and how to respond with empathy and confidence.

Ms Hinton described the impact of their work with a young person who had struggled emotionally and lacked confidence following multiple disrupted experiences in their early upbringing.

She said: “Through the regular and consistent care we gave, with a strong therapeutic approach, gradually we connected with the child.

“Trust was built, slowly they came out of their shell, a personality started to shine through, and they were in a better place emotionally to enjoy life and make the most of their future.

“It was quite a slow process, which is understandable, but patience brings its rewards, and that’s what we both love about fostering and why by sharing our story we hope more people in Oxfordshire will consider giving it a go.”

Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for children, education and young people’s services, praised the carers.

He said: “Tracy and Sarah are role models, along with our other 146 approved fostering families.

“Through care and dedication, they make a big difference to the lives of children who, for various reasons, need to be cared for outside of their own family.

“I admire and congratulate each and every one of our dedicated foster carers.”

Foster carers with Oxfordshire County Council receive training, ongoing support, and generous fees in addition to the child’s allowance.

The team from Duval Inns will walk in aid of Cancer Research UK on Saturday, May 16, starting at The Great Western Arms in Aynho, passing The Highwayman Hotel in Kidlington, and finishing at The Bell at Hampton Poyle.

Expected to take around six hours, the route covers a mix of canal towpaths and public footpaths.

Mark Duval, operations director at Duval Inns, said: “Cancer Research is close to my heart.

“But the sad reality is that my family is just a tiny number of the people affected.

“Many people within our company have been impacted one way or the other, and we want to help make a difference.”

Mr Duval is taking part in memory of his grandmother, Carol Saunders, and celebrating his father Nick’s successful recovery.

The team hopes to raise at least £500 and is encouraging the public to support their efforts through their GoFundMe page, Duval Inns GoFundMe Page.

The walkers include Lauren and Ashley Walton, Nicole Barclay, William Tattersall, Dani Coles, Barney Neal, Jenny Crowie, Alexandra Dumitrache, Harry Leigh, Izzy Millet-Clay, Grace Grossman, Miranda Chaplin, Shirley Chick, and Chris Allen.

Staff who are working on the day will join the walk for parts of the route where possible.

This charity challenge kicks off a wider programme of fundraising events planned by Duval Inns, including their annual summer music event on August 1.

Their GoFundMe page can be found here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/may-charity-walk