Oxfordshire couple recognised at Buckingham Palace for care

Alison and Larry Garrad, now living in Bristol, were honoured for their lifelong dedication to supporting Lin Tai (‘Linny’) through Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives Scheme, which helps adults with learning disabilities live within supportive family environments.

Their relationship with Linny began long before the scheme as she was fostered by Alison’s parents at just seven days old. Alison grew up as Linny’s ‘big sister’.

When Alison’s parents retired from caring in 2002, she and Larry stepped forward to ensure Linny could remain with the only family she had ever known.

Alison Garrad said: “We never set out to do anything remarkable, we simply wanted Linny to remain part of the family who loved her.

“Watching her grow, learn and experience the world has been one of the greatest joys of our lives.

“Although supporting her move to independent living has been hard for us, we are incredibly proud of her and grateful that we can continue sharing weekends and family time together.

“Being invited to Buckingham Palace is a huge honour, but the real privilege has been having Linny in our lives.”

For the past 24 years, Linny has lived as a member of the Garrad family, sharing in their daily routines and international travels – including visits to nearly every US state during long stays for Larry’s work.

Earlier this year, Linny, now in her 50s, moved into supported living accommodation with full-time care.

Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for adult social care, said: “Alison and Larry represent everything that makes Shared Lives so special.

“Their love, commitment and belief in what Linny could achieve have helped her to live a full, meaningful and connected life for more than two decades.

“Their story shows the power of ordinary families doing extraordinary things, and we are delighted that their dedication is being recognised at Buckingham Palace.”

The Shared Lives Scheme matches adults in need of support with trained carers who welcome them into their homes, fostering stable and nurturing environments.

For Alison and Larry, Linny’s move toward greater independence has been both emotional.

They continue to spend weekends and family time with her, cherishing the strong bonds built over a lifetime of care.

The Buckingham Palace invitation stands as a public acknowledgement of their quiet, unwavering commitment to giving Linny not just care but a true sense of belonging and family.