Oxfordshire twins say foster care was ‘life changing’

Identical twins Chris and Johnny Taylor, 18, from Charlbury, entered care at age 14 and have since found direction in life thanks to the structure and encouragement provided by their foster carer.

The twins, who train as boxers at Banbury Boxing Club and are currently studying for their A-levels, credit their progress to the environment provided by foster care.

Johnny said: “Our days are very structured now and that’s something that could only have happened through being fostered.

“When we first moved in with our brilliant foster carer, Lucy, life felt uncertain and we weren’t always sure what support would be available to us.

“Everything felt strange and new. However, over time, that began to change.

“Routine and structure gradually became a source of reassurance, helping us feel more secure and confident, something we hadn’t really had until that point.

“At first, it felt like staying at a friend’s house, then after a while it felt like home.”

The twins now train together and coach others at Banbury Boxing Club.

They also share sports and fitness advice through their social media channels, including TikTok (@thetaylortwins07) and Instagram (@thetaylortwins.07).

The brothers, who have both been offered unconditional places to study psychology and sports performance at the University of Portsmouth, will begin their degrees in September.

They say the chance to feel settled has been crucial to their success.

Johnny said: “Once you’re settled, then you can dream – your ambition and drive kick in.”

Having their own bedrooms and enjoying regular family routines such as shared meals and holidays has helped them to feel truly at home.

Chris said: “It just makes everything calm, you know. It’s like we can wake up, we know what we’re doing, no stress.”

Their foster carer Lucy is supported by Oxfordshire County Council’s foster care team, which provides assistance, peer support, and training.

The twins’ story is being shared during Foster Care Fortnight (May 11-24) to encourage more Oxfordshire residents to consider fostering.

Councillor Sean Gaul, the county council’s cabinet member for children, education, and young people’s services, said: “Chris and Johnny’s experience shows how fostering can make a real difference for children and young people, replacing uncertainty with stability, support, and a sense of belonging that is now helping them pursue their ambitions.”

“I hope in Chris and Johnny we have two future boxing stars and I wish them the very best.

“We have 147 approved fostering families and I admire and congratulate each and every one of them for their dedication and commitment to young people.

“Our foster care service is not for profit, and where possible we are committed to keeping children and young people near to their birth families, friends and schools.”

More information about fostering is available at oxfordshire.gov.uk/fostering.