Bearded biker fronts foster drive

David Quick says empathy is more important than appearances

A children's charity is using a biker with a braided beard to front a campaign challenging the stereotypical image of foster carers.

Biker David Quick, from Pontypridd, south Wales, said the ability to respond to fostered children's needs was more important than appearances.

The 36-year-old former florist and his wife Tracey were approved as carers last year.

The campaign is being run by the Taith Newydd Community Fostering Project.

Since June 2005, the couple have fostered two boys with special needs, aged 14 and three.

Mr Quick, who is chairman of the Bikers, Trikes and Scooters Club of Llantrisant, said: "Some people seem to have some narrow and outdated ideas about who can become foster carers these days.

So what if I'm a biker and I look the way I do? David Quick

"Perceptions can be deceptive. It's like the old saying 'never judge a book by its cover'.

"So what if I'm a biker and I look the way I do?

"It's the ability to understand and respond to the needs of kids that really counts when it comes to being a good foster carer."

Stacey Burnett, manager of Taith Newydd Community Fostering Project, said the days when children's charities had set ideas on the ideal foster carer were "long gone".

She added: "Life experience, a resilient personality combined with a capacity to understand and empathise, are more important than personal appearance.

"A good sense of humour also helps. We now celebrate the diversity and individuality of our foster carers."