Barry has witnessed many milestones, but the best was when his foster daughter felt safe
"She told me on my birthday that she loves me and that she's never leaving."
That sums up the huge impact that foster carer Barry has had on a young girl who is currently in his care.
Barry, 46, from West Lancashire, has always liked helping people and is making a real difference as a foster carer.
He said:
"From when she came to me to now, everyone says she's a different person.
"She told me on my birthday that she loves me and that she's never leaving, but the best thing about fostering has been watching her settle and feel safe."
Since coming to live with Barry as her foster carer, the pair have enjoyed travelling to new places and holidays abroad.
Barry added:
"When she came to live with me she hadn't been on any big holidays, so it was all an adventure for her.
"You learn a lot from holidays about different places, so it's all beneficial and we'll be booking another holiday for next year.
"We have made many special memories, but it's the little things that I notice that make me proud like when she learnt how to tie her shoelaces, how to tell the time, and performing in her school play."
Caring for people is clearly in Barry's nature as he looked after his disabled brother David, who sadly passed away unexpectedly at the age of 34.
He is also keen to dispel some common myths that people may have about being accepted as a foster carer.
Barry, pictured with a model in the image below, features in a new campaign which celebrates real foster carers from different backgrounds.
He explained:
"If you look at me, I don't think I'm what your average foster carer looks like. I'm covered in tattoos, I've been a welder all my life and I was brought up on a council estate.
"When I went to most of the fostering meetings I thought I looked out of place; most of the other foster carers dressed nice in smart clothes and I had a tracksuit on.
"But I don't feel out of place being a foster carer because I know I'm doing it really well.
"I'm a single carer so I have the school runs to do, I work, I have meetings and paperwork to complete, but it's nothing that I can't manage."
Councillor Simon Evans, cabinet member for Children and Families, said:
"I'm really pleased that Barry has shared his story and I hope it assures other people who are thinking of becoming a foster carer that we accept people from all walks of life and having a tattoo or being a single carer certainly isn't a barrier.
"Barry has transformed a young girl's life and has seen important milestones reached as she grows up.
"I'd like to thank Barry and all the carers who took part in our new fostering campaign which celebrates the diverse backgrounds of Lancashire carers as well as the children they care for. We hope to highlight that there's no typical foster carer, and that our team will work together to find the best fit for your situation and the child you are caring for."
If you're thinking about fostering get in touch with our friendly team on 0300 019 0200.
You can also find more information and read about Barry and other foster carers experiences here: Foster like us - Lancashire County Council