Charlbury boxing twins share their experience of living in foster care
Residents are being encouraged to consider becoming foster carers for Oxfordshire County Council in a campaign marking Foster Care Fortnight, 11 - 24 May 2026.
Identical twins Chris and Johnny Taylor, aged 18 and from Charlbury, are studying for their A levels alongside training as boxers at Banbury Boxing Club.
They entered foster care at 14, where the stability and support they received helped shape the exciting direction their lives are now taking.
Johnny said: “Our days are very structured now and that’s something that could only have happened through being fostered.
“When we first moved in with our brilliant foster carer, Lucy, life felt uncertain and we weren’t always sure what support would be available to us, everything felt strange and new.
“However, over time, that began to change as routine and structure gradually became a source of reassurance, helping us feel more secure and confident, something we hadn’t really had until that point.
“At first it felt like staying at a friend’s house, then after a while it felt like home.
“Once you’re settled, then you can dream; your ambition and drive kick in. We both love boxing, and train and coach together at Banbury Boxing Club. But it doesn’t end there because we also share knowledge about fitness and sports nutrition on our social media channels. You’ll find us on TikTok: thetaylortwins07 and Instagram: thetaylortwins.07.”
The twins’ commitment to boxing, alongside their academic studies, has brought its rewards; they were recently offered unconditional places on the psychology and sports performance undergraduate course at University of Portsmouth, where they’ll enrol in September 2026.
Having their own bedrooms and taking part in everyday family activities, such as shared dinners, holidays abroad, and spending time together, has helped the twins feel settled and truly at home, and they believe this has played an important role in how opportunities are now falling into place.
Chris sums it up: “It just makes everything calm, you know, it’s like we can wake up, we know what we’re doing, no stress.”
Their foster carer, Lucy, isn’t left to provide support alone, assistance comes from Oxfordshire County Council’s dedicated foster care team and by being linked with a wider network such as peer support from other fostering families.
Councillor Sean Gaul, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Young People’s Services, said: “Chris and Johnny’s experience shows how fostering can make a real difference for children and young people, replacing uncertainty with stability, support and a sense of belonging that is now helping them pursue their ambitions.
“I hope in Chris and Johnny we have two future boxing stars and I wish them the very best.
“We have 147 approved fostering families and I admire and congratulate each and every one of them for their dedication and commitment to young people.
“Our foster care service is not for profit, and where possible we are committed to keeping children and young people near to their birth families, friends and schools.”
Oxfordshire County Council’s foster carers receive:
- Generous fees, paid in addition to the child’s allowance, based on experience and skills.
- Dedicated social worker support.
- Access to professionals involved with the child/children, linked with support groups and specialised training.
For further information about becoming a foster carer, visit oxfordshire.gov.uk/fostering, email fostering@oxfordshire.gov.uk or phone 0800 783 5724.
Your Oxfordshire
Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.