Tributes paid to dedicated carer

Christine Fowler, known as Kris, made a difference by opening up her home to care for 50 youngsters.

The 52-year-old died at Wigan And Leigh Hospice, just a few months after being diagnosed with sarcoma cancer of the uterus.

She was survived by Alan, her husband of 32 years, sons Lee, Alex and Adam, and three grandchildren.

Mrs Fowler was born in Liverpool and lived around the world as a youngster, including in Canada and South Africa.

She eventually settled in Wigan, where she has lived for 40 years.

She worked as a childminder and started fostering children with her husband around 12 years ago.

They took in children of all ages and with different needs, sometimes just for a few days but other times for years.

Mr Fowler, of Billinge Road, Pemberton, said she “always loved children” and had a “great empathy” with them.

He said: “We have always had children around. They have always been in our lives.

“Her very first job after leaving school was in Turner’s pram shop in Wigan. Then she used to help people buying prams and toys and entertain kids while mum bought a pram. She had a natural heart for it. She has always been very good with affection and empathy and could tell when someone was upset.”

Mrs Fowler lost her fight for life on the first anniversary of her son Alex’s wedding to daughter-in-law Sophie.

She appeared in homes around the country last year when the couple starred on BBC show Don’t Tell The Bride, tying the knot in a zombie-themed wedding.

But her religious beliefs meant she did not attend the wedding, which was held in a haunted children’s asylum in Liverpool. Mr Fowler said: “She looked after their son and went to the evening do.

“Her morals were that strong that she wouldn’t even go to her own son’s wedding.”

Mrs Fowler used to attend Today’s Community Church, where she was in the choir and Mr Fowler was on the sound desk.

More recently, she went to Billinge Family Church and her funeral was held there on Monday. Donations were made to the hospice in her memory.

She also enjoyed occasional weekends away and meeting other foster carers for lunch.

Mr Fowler, 56, said: “She was lovely. She used to have nicknames of either Bubbles or Sparkles, given to her by her friends because she was always happy and laughing and encouraging people and praying for people.”