Chris & Debbie Girdler

Name: Chris Girdler

Age: 69

Name: Debbie Girdler

Age: 55

Chris and Debbie Girdler, who have committed themselves to foster caring for the past 10 years say they are absolutely thrilled to have been accepted for a mortgage with us.

Publisher Chris Girdler (69) and his wife, Debbie (55), had originally acted as hosts for foreign students at their nine-bedroom Edwardian home in Plymouth, before deciding to provide foster care in 2008.

Over the course of the past decade, the couple have fostered 10 children and young people, and currently foster three teenagers. Their 17-year old son and nine-year-old adopted son also live at home, while Debbie’s father, Ian (89), lives in a garden flat attached to the property.

“Because we were already hosting foreign students, it was suggested to us that we might make for suitable carers,” Chris explains.

“Ever since, we’ve found the experience to be incredibly rewarding and have seen first-hand just how foster care can help young people to better themselves.”

Having moved to the property in 2005 with an interest-only mortgage, Chris and Debbie decided they wanted to switch to a repayment mortgage and began researching potential lenders.

However, they were turned down by many of the providers they approached, on the basis of Chris’ age and Debbie’s foster income, which was instead viewed as an allowance.

Chris continues: “It was at this point that we heard about esbs through our broker, and we were both delighted and surprised to learn that the Society was willing to consider our case.

“From there on, much of the process was overseen by the broker, and on the occasions where we have spoken to esbs, we have found the mortgage team to work very swiftly and thoroughly.”

Alongside their foster care work, Chris likes watching sport, especially his beloved Plymouth Argyle, and Debbie enjoys reading, cooking and music.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have secured the mortgage and we would 100% recommend the Society to family and friends.”

Paul Tilley, Chief Executive for esbs, said: “We are pleased to hear that Chris and Debbie have had such a positive mortgage experience with us.

“Their devotion to foster caring is incredibly admirable and it was our pleasure to be able to help them with their circumstance.

“On behalf of everyone here at esbs, we would like to wish them many more happy years to come in their home.”