'Auntie' Chris Russell has spent nearly 40 years caring for little ones at her home in Great West Road, Hounslow - and doesn't plan on stopping as she turns 70 today.
Her former charges, nearly all of whom remain close friends, threw a surprise party last Thursday to show their gratitude for all her hard work.
Stephanie Johnson, of Bulstrode Avenue, Hounslow, was just nine weeks old when she first met Chris and her late husband Ted, who would be her minders for the next decade.
"We all consider ourselves blessed to have had the chance to become part of the family," said the 33-year-old nursery nurse.
"If she isn't sewing on our buttons, feeding us or supporting school events, she is listening to our problems.
"None of us could have developed into the people we are today without her ongoing care and attention."
As if looking after so many tots was not enough, Chris has five children of her own and has fostered another 13, but insists she has loved every minute of it.
"I've been very lucky with the children I've looked after, who have helped me get through some very difficult times," she said.
"The parents are usually more trouble than their children. I find it easy to get on with young people because what you see is what you get."
