Gogglebox’s Pete and Lynne McGarry on family life: ‘We’ve fostered 68 children’

Gogglebox stars Pete and Lynne McGarry have opened up about what it’s really like to foster 68 children

Pete and Lynne McGarry touch wrists

by Kayleigh Dray |
Published on

Pete and Lynne McGarry recently became proud grandparents to George Gilbey’s beautiful baby girl, Amelie.

The Gogglebox star - who appears on the hit TV show alongside his mum and stepdad - announced the happy news via Twitter.

He wrote: "7lb 2oz little girl. Born 17.16 Amelie Iris Gilbey”

He added: “Big thanks to everyone (especially nannies) for your support #perfect.”

N’aww; we just love her name.

While some grandparents might be a little overwhelmed to learn that their family is getting bigger, Pete and Lynne took it all in their stride.

Why?

Well, because they are VERY used to opening their hearts to new family members, having fostered a whopping 68 children over the past 16 years.

Crikey!

Speaking to the Daily Star, Lynne revealed: “We’ve now fostered 68 children and it’s enhanced our lives so much.

“It’s very rewarding. I’ve just loved doing it.”

The 66-year-old began fostering other children back when George was 15 - and, despite the fact that he is her only biological son, Lynne explained that she has treated each and every child as if they were her own flesh and blood.

She said firmly: “I’ve just brought them up as my own… on Mother’s Day I get so many phone calls. They don’t forget you.

“A lot still regard me and Pete as their parents.”

She continued: “When they’ve been taken away from their parents and siblings it can be dreadful for them, it’s like a bereavement. It ain’t their fault, it’s just the situation they’re in.

“They’re often petrified when they first come to us. But I make them feel welcome and tell them to help themselves if they’re hungry and tell them it’s their home.”

Back in 2000, the big-hearted couple adopted a boy named Chris.

He was the first child they ever fostered.

She said: “He’s 26 now and we’ve still got him. I went through hell with him, but he’s just opened his own car site and we’re so proud of him.

“We’re all one big family.”

And there we were thinking that we couldn’t love these Gogglebox stars anymore than we already did!

READ MORE:

The Gilbeys are BACK on Gogglebox – and George is going to be a DAD!

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