October Down Syndrome Awareness Month has finally arrived!! We are so over the moon to introduce you to our first ever music single “Wouldn’t Change A Thing” by The Bitterati! We very much hope you enjoy it….
The #WCAT urban track positively tackles how mainstream individuals might feel uncomfortable around disability and why. Performed and written by ‘The Bitterati’ and produced by Simon Frankland whose daughter Neive has Down syndrome.
You can purchase a CD or vinyl version of the song from our Shop.
You can also download your very own digital copy of the song. To find out all the places it can be found click on the button below….
If you would like to contact the WCAT press office please email press@wouldntchangeathing.org
Blogs
There will be a series of blogs posted over the month of October following the theme of our awareness campaign explaining why we “Wouldn’t Change A Thing”. Head on over to our blog page to read the first in the series which comes from our very own Chairman, Jamie McCallum. Click here to have a read, it’s a good one!
Next up with our weekly blogs is a question and answer session with Katherine and Sam, who are a married couple from Milton Keynes. You can read the full blog here.
For the next of our blogs we have a question and answer session with Kyle Reid who is a great friend of WCATer Stacey Corrigan and her son Daniel. Kyle has been a huge supporter of our little charity and we are so grateful for everything that he has done and continues to do. Read the blog here.
This weeks blog is a question and answer interview with Michael Beynon who ran the Virtual London Marathon for Mencap on 4 October. Michael was the first Welshman with Down syndrome to run a marathon and what an achievement, I’m sure you will agree. You can read the blog here.
#OurTruth
We continue through Down syndrome awareness month with the WCAT #OurTruth campaign.
Very simply the vision for this part of the campaign was to share with the world not only that we WOULDN’T change a thing, but WHY we wouldn’t change a thing! It’s been a crazy year and a time for reflection which took us back to where it all began for wcat. The perfect opportunity to go back to basics with an extra dose of love and share with you #OurTruth!
We hope that these beautiful clips and images that we will be sharing throughout October will show you that people with Down Syndrome live enriching, productive, wonderful lives. We hope that they show you that someone who happens to have an extra chromosome can fall in love and love hard…. they are successful in education and can have a career… they are part of loving families who love them to the moon and back… they have valuable friendships and they themselves wouldn’t change a thing about their lives.
This is OUR TRUTH!
Enjoy!
Starting us off is Evelyn, sister to Elliott telling her truth.
#OurTruth#DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth#WouldntChangeAThing
‘Brother and sister, together as friends. Ready to face whatever life sends. Joy and laughter or tears and strife, holding hands tightly as we dance through life.’ Suzie Hutt.
Holly with brothers Ben & Nicky.
‘I wouldn’t change a thing …..Your smile brightens up my world!’
Sharon, Andrew’s cousin.
Here is Elaine, teacher and Memaw (Grandma) to Max and Jude, telling us her truth.
#OurTruth #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #WouldntChangeAThing
On Grandparents Day, here is Grandmother Andrea with her truth about Zephy.
#OurTruth #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #WouldntChangeAThing
I love my brother, he’s perfect the way he is. Ted is the same as any other brother.
Ted and sister, Silvie age 8.
Caleb and his Dad have had a special bond from the beginning. He helps us realize that each day should be celebrated! That’s why we wouldn’t change a thing.
Caleb and dad, David
Here is Tania, mum to Jacob, telling us her truth.
#OurTruth #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #WouldntChangeAThing
‘Family. A little bit of crazy. A little bit of loud & a whole lot of love… we wouldn’t change a thing.’
Vicky, Mummy to Oscar #OurTruth#DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth#WouldntChangeAThing
‘I wouldn’t change a thing because he is Cameron.’
Lorraine, Cameron’s mum
Meet Nina, she wants to tell you a bit about her….. Down syndrome So What?
#OurTruth #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #WoulldntChangeAThing
‘We wouldn’t change a thing about Andrew’s zest and exuberance for life.’
Donna, mum to Andrew
I’m so proud of the young lady Carmela has become and I love sharing a bottle of wine with her.
Gillian, Carmela’s mum.
My future is so bright I need sunglasses so I wouldn’t change a thing.
Abbie’s mum, Emma.
The journey you and your little one are on may take longer than others to get where you’re going but that’s just because you’re taking the scenic route and while some of the journey maybe ugly and hard going, nearly all of it is beautiful, inspiring and will teach you so much about yourself and your little one so relax and enjoy the ride x
Ivy-Rose’s mum, Amy.
Poppy is always sassy and self assured, that’s why I wouldn’t change a thing #sisterhood.
Philippa, Poppy’s mum.
This interview was filmed on video shoot for our Wouldn’t Change A Thing Campaign Music video.
Nino and Olivia talk about love, life, lockdown and the future.
#OurTruth #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #WouldntChangeAThing
Meet Matt and Jess the most important thing to them is….
#OurTruth #DownSyndromeAwareness #WouldntChangeAThing
I wouldn’t change a thing because Savannah is exactly who she is supposed to be. She wouldn’t be our Savannah if she didn’t have that extra sparkle.
Toni, Savannah’s mum.
Siblings, best friends ,pure love, and we wouldn’t change a thing.
Mikey’s Mum, Christina.
Even the worst of days are brightened by your infectious smile. Everyone that meets you melts. You’re so little but yet so mighty & will do great things in your life! I wouldn’t change a thing about you.
Ashely, Kai’s mum.
Meet Maizy, she wants to tell you her truth.
#OurTruth #DownSyndrome #Wouldntchangeathing
This is Ethan. He knows what he wants from life, just look at the determination in his face! I believe he can achieve anything he puts his mind to, and I wouldn’t change a thing!
Jacqui, Ethan’s mum.
I wouldn’t change a thing about my cheeky boy!
Jensen’s mum, Emma.
Having Pippa in our family has helped her siblings become the most empathetic, caring and kind youngsters with an awareness far beyond their years. I wouldn’t change a thing about our tight family unit and Pippa is at the very heart of that! I wouldn’t change a thing about having Pippa as my sister because she makes me see the world in a different way and I always have someone to do dance routines with!
Pippa’s mum & sister, Samm & Jemima.
Like the sunbeams and rainbows of the day and the moon and stars of the night, you brighten our world in so many ways. You are the most precious, adored little girl and you complete our family. We love you so much and we wouldn’t change a thing.
Katie, Mummy to Mia.
Here Lucus’ family share their truth.
With @Isabella Signs , Dad Dom, Indie and Lucus.
We found out when I was 15 weeks pregnant that Finn had Down Syndrome. What that diagnosis didn’t tell us was how much love, light and laughter he would bring in to our lives…..he is our treasure!
Vicky, Finn’s mum
This is Sophie, our beautiful girl who melts the hearts of all she meets and has taught us to more than we ever could have imagined. We wouldn’t change a thing!
Helen, Sophie’s mum.
I wouldn’t change the power to have control over my own life. Do not let anyone underestimate you. It is your choice, no one else’s. Don’t let anything or anyone influence you. This is your life, choose you first and decide which route you want to take.
Claire May Minet, Self Advocate.
#OurTruth #WouldntChangeAThing #DownSyndromeAwareness #MosaicDownSyndrome
There is no better Friend than a sister, and there is no better sister than you.
Pippa and Lillie, Hollie’s sisters.
Leeonie gives her truth about daughter Grace ❤
#DownSyndromeAwareness #OurTruth #WouldntChangeAThing
You are my love, you are my life, and I wouldn’t change a thing about you.
Isabella and Dominic.
#OurTruth #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #wouldntchangeathing❤️
Happiness is an endless shine and an eye sparkle; swinging without a care in the world and guided by love. Jolie’s perfect sparkle and shine define why I wouldn’t change a thing.
Jolie’s mum, Kat.
It’s a true honour to raise children, it’s an even bigger honour to be be raising my hero. Daddy’s got you Kush.
Hamil, Daddy to Kush.
We all need a helping hand at some point in our life, and we wouldn’t change a thing about these two – Facing whatever life throws at them together, hand in hand.
Kelly, Tommy’s mum.
The most precious, perfect jewel I have around my neck are the arms of my daughter.
Connie’s mum, Julie.
I wouldn’t change a thing about my beautiful and angel daughter Pwajinteino because she’s God’s send to my family.
Talatu, Jinta’s mum.
You haven’t lived until you’ve had someone with Down syndrome touch your life.
Eliana’s mum, Eloise.
You put the sunshine into the cloudiest of days, so that’s why I wouldn’t change a thing. You are the best little brother ever and exactly who I wished for!
Evan’s sister, Elysia.
‘when the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves’
Buddha quote
Lillie has a wonderful bond with her Nana and enjoy the best times together! She is the glue that bonds our family together!
Lillie with her Nana, Sue.
I love my life and everyone in it!
Sam Harvey, Self Advocate.
Here is Klara, sister to Gwilym telling her truth.
#OurTruth #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #WouldntChangeAThing
James is funny, loveable, kind and has great empathy. He has a great sense of humour and an infectious laugh. Thanks to James we are all better versions of ourselves as we slow down and pay more attention, listen harder, love deeper and laugh louder. We wouldn’t change a thing.
Kate, James’ mum.
Andrew’s smile is totally joyful. When I’m the one who makes him smile my ordinary day becomes a fabulous day.
Andrea, Andrew’s mum.
Evie- Mae and Jess talk about their friendship.
#WCAT #BestFriends #OurTruth #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #WouldntChangeAThing
I wouldn’t change a thing because Savannah is exactly who she is supposed to be. She wouldn’t be our Savannah if she didn’t have that extra sparkle.
Savannah and her sister, Scarlett.
He is my sidekick. We’re in this together through thick and thin and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Lisa, Marcus’ mum.
Karen, employer to Chloe tells us her truth about working with Chloe.
#OurTruth #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #WouldntChangeAThing
I found you without looking and love you without trying.
Archie and his mum’s partner, Alex.
We wouldn’t change a thing about our Betsy. She lives her life to the max and carries us along with her!
Betsy’s mum. Rachel.
Eli’s friends Tianna and Joanne tell us their truth about Eli.
#OurTruth #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #WouldntChangeAThing
Just because something is a little different, it doesn’t mean you need to be afraid. After all, sometimes the best things are a complete surprise, we wouldn’t change one single thing about Bella.
Jess, Bella’s mum.
Jordan Grace loves life, she loves laughing, she plays hard and loves harder.
Jordan Grace’s mum, Maria.
#WCAT #OurTruth Interview with Kyle, best friend to Daniel and youth football coach.
Grandparents Yvette & Stephen tell us their truth about Ava.
#OurTruth #WouldntChangeAThing #DownSyndromeAwareness
Ellen totally enjoys life, she loves singing, dancing, acting and gymnastics. She is happy, kind, funny and gentle and nothing will stop her from achieving anything in life. That is why I wouldn’t change a thing about Ellen.
Jayne, Ellen’s mum.
#WouldntChangeAThing about your beautiful smile, your loving spirit, your cheeky heart, your emotional intelligence. Therefore I will keep fighting for you my darling.
Nursev, Benjamin’s mum.
Teachers Kerry and Jeannie tell us about what it is like to have Jessica in their setting.
#WCAT #OurTruth #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #WouldntChangeAThing
As you can see from the image Alice is a joyful child. She isn’t always happy as many people seem to think that people with Down Syndrome are, but she has an innate ability to spread joy wherever she goes. Her smile is infectious and people are drawn to her wherever we go. We Wouldn’t Change a Thing.
Vicky, Alice’s mum.
You’ve got a friend in me. Willow is Freddie’s very best friend, she makes him laugh, she gives him cuddles when he’s sad, she plays with him, looks out for him and helps him when he needs it. They’re such a mischievous, cheeky little pair, and we really wouldn’t change a thing.
Willow and brother, Freddie.
When I grow up I want to be just like you but with a Princess twist. Two peas in a pod. Wouldn’t Change a Thing.
Blythe’s sister, Millie.
Lily, cousin to Bertie, tells us her truth.
#WCAT #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #WouldntChangeAThing
Meet Jessica. Throughout her life she has been given many labels but she refuses to be defined by any of them. Judging a person does not define who they are….it defines who you are. She’s teaching the world to be a better place and that’s why I wouldn’t change a thing.
Nicola, Jessica’s mum.
Grandma Yvette tells us what Izzy means to her, accompanied by Izzy’s lovely sister Matilda.
#WCAT #OurTruth #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #WouldntChangeAthing
River has more determination than anyone I’ve ever met. If he wants to do something, he just assumes he’ll be able to and doesn’t quit until he achieves it. That’s why we wouldn’t change a thing.
River’s mum, Hayley.
Grace’s sister Hannah tells us her truth about Grace, and is joined by Grace’s neice Halley.
#WCAT #OurTruth #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #WouldntChangeAThing
Eilidh has changed our lives in ways we could never have imagined. She has opened our eyes and has made us see the world from a whole new perspective and we wouldn’t change a thing.
Ashley and Nicola, Mummy and Mama to Eilidh.
#WCAT#OurTruth#DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth#WouldntChangeAThing
Who couldn’t resist this gorgeous happy face! Jack Lawlor you are my world, you brighten the day of everyone you meet and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Sarah, Jack’s mum.
Harley, brother to Ollie shares his truth.
#Brothers #OurTruth #DownSyndromeAwarenessMonth #WouldntChangeAThing