Downs Side Up's Ups and Downs in 2013: A Linky for 2014

Time to take stock

January is the time I like to spring clean my blog a little, cut the deadwood and look at it afresh after a Christmas break. It's easy to feel you haven't achieved a lot in a year, that you are stuck in a writing rut, but now's the time to look at even the smallest of steps forward, celebrate your achievements and motivate yourself for the year ahead.
Here's a taste of where Downs Side Up, our Down's syndrome support blog, has taken us this year.
I'd love to invite you to join the linky below with either your favourite post of the year or a summary of where your SEN blog has taken you or your cause, or simply a post about where you are heading in 2014. Please take time to visit and support others who link too, with lovely comments, that's how we draw our community closer.

January 

The year kicked off with a very exciting get-together of all the UK models with Down's syndrome that we could find, doing their bit for #adinclusion. Natty, Seb, Jojo, M&S, Next, Co-Op, Boden and more. We met at the Down's Syndrome Association head quarters incredible Normansfield Theatre. A place filled with the memories and the energies of those with Down's syndrome who had lived and acted there when John Langdon Down first detailed the condition, caused by an additional 21st chromosome. How far he pushed forward, but how much further our children can travel today, the world their oyster...

Downs Side Up is a Britmums Brilliance in Blogging Finalist: INSPIRE

Thank you thank you thank you for all who voted for Downs Side Up in the Britmums Brilliance in Blogging Awards. It has been announced as a finalist in the Inspire Category, one of 6 to make it through.

What a huge honour indeed, and every one in that category is a winner to me, all powerful, selfless writers whose motivation is to help others. 

Although I don't consider myself to be up for the award, instead it is for my blog, which truly has taken on a life of its own. I simply follow its lead and go where the readers and Natty take me...

Next weekend we all head to London for the Britmums Live event, a kind of Mecca for Bloggers, but with Prosecco!

It's a chance to mingle, meet online friends again and learn how to make your blog a better and more beautiful haven and it is here they will announce the finalists.

It's all wonderfully exciting, and right now, between fighting Councillors who say children with disabilities should be 'put down' and trying to get the moral issues of the newDS screening test raised and the family's views heard, it will be a welcome oasis of positivity for me.

Much love to you all, and thank you again.

Hayley

x

I'm going to Britmums Live. Come and say Hi

This sounds ridiculous, but attending Britmums Live last year was one of the high points of my entire life.

I was terrified about going, a country girl from Cornwall who is happier in wellies and playing with my chickens. I'm uncertain in London, a fish out of water. I knew no-one other than a couple of chats online with Kateonthinice and RenataBPlus3.

I had been asked in advance if I would read at the keynote speeches (on a stage in front of lots of accomplished writers!) YIKES!

I was also shortlisted in the Inspire category of the BiBs. Again a very scary and proud moment.

Well, in a nutshell I arrived, terrified and shaky, the butterflies met me and put me at my ease. I wandered around looking for those I might know, staring at stands and feeling overwhelmed, looking at a timetable of workshops that I couldn't decide between because I needed them all. 

This feeling didn't last long, everyone was so supportive and friendly, and once the naked wine buffs came out in the evening, I had found Kate and Renata to share a giggly glass of Prosecco and the awards ceremony with. So many of those I had voted for won, the mood was electric.

A small group of us went for a lovely dinner afterwards and then the all important full night's sleep in a hotel by myself :)

The next day was one of serious note-taking. I felt like a student who wanted to gain every last drop of knowledge from the speakers. But the nerves about reading at the keynote were mounting. I recall several chats with lovely people who told me I'd be fine. Darling HerMelnessSpeaks being one of them and I will never forget how her confidence in me made me feel.

Well, it came to the speech. It was emotional. I shook so hard I thought I was going to faint. I cried. People brought me tissues. People cried. I stopped, caught my breath, repeated my message. Then there was a standing ovation. I just saw it start in front of my eyes, which have tears in them remembering the moment. I have never felt so surprised or proud in my whole life. I didn't even know I had in in me to get on that stage. DoingItAllForAlenya helped me walk back to my chair and held me tight until I stopped shaking and crying.

In short, leaving my children for the first time with my ever so capable husband and doing something completely for me since the birth of my children, not just a relxing treat but something that made my brain shake alive was a turning point for me. I can trully say tha Brimums changed my life forever and I will never look back. Read Thank You For Having Me which I wrote in the post Britmums Live glow, when they gave me a Blogger of the Week award.

Well this year the wonderful ladies at Britmums have asked me to speak, or at least be on a panel during an actual workshop. I'm not sure if I feel a bit of a fraud, but I hope you will enjoy joining us.

And my humble blogette has been shortlisted in 3 BiBs categories this year: Inspire, Commentary and Outstanding. 

And oh goodness, I am just as nervous this year as I was last year...

This is me:

Name: Hayley Goleniowska

Blog: Downs Side Up

Twitter ID: @DownsSideUp

Height: Petite

Hair: 75% grey and costing increasingly more to keep a natural 'mouse' colour ;)

Eyes: Grey/blue, often red and tired!

Is this your first blogging conference?

Last year I was an utter novice, so this is my second.

Are you attending both days?

Absobloominlutely! I live in Cornwall so I have to make it worth the trip. 

What are you most looking forward to at BritMums Live 2013?

2 full nights' sleep! 

Meeting the bloggers that have become close friends online. Meeting new and inspiring bloggers that I hope will become life-long friends. The sense of support from all at Britmums is tanglible.

Actually taking part in one of the panel discussions alongside some incredible bloggers who are my gurus.

What are you wearing?

Comfy yet trendy for the day and killer heels for the party. Really not quite sure exactly what yet though. I'll just be myself.

What do you hope to gain from BritMums Live 2013?

To gently change a few more perceptions of Down's Syndrome from within hearts.

I really need to learn how to be a bit more techy. I am such an accidental blogger.

I also want to publish a book shortly, so need to make contacts for that.

Tell us one thing about you that not everyone knows

I was the voice of the Cheats Mistress on a Games Walkthrough Guides and Cheats hotline. My Lara Croft-esque avatar had a leather mini dress on (perhaps I should wear it to Britmums!)

Shame on you Collin Brewer

Shame on you Collin Brewer not shame on Cornwall.
In summary: a Local Councillor in Cornwall said (in the heat of the moment, when knackered and after a stroke that appently affects his temper) that children with disabilities SHOULD BE PUT DOWN.

I took a breath, raised my eyebrows and we all urged him to give up his post. 
Although many were furious, some even baying for blood, we all know people that say things they shouldn't from time to time. Poor bumbling buffoon we thought, so devoid of love and compassion in his life, so unaware of the wonders our children bring to our lives.

But embarrassing uncles saying things they shouldn't at weddings is one thing, a bigot with a microphone in his hand and in the public spotlight, weilding power, albeit in a small constituency in Cornwall is a dangerous thing. 

He and his wife entered a pub for a drink. Those present fell silent and everyone turned their backs. The majority in is town were shunning him.

The fact that he is an Independent candidate (and this is not about politics for a millisecond) means that he is aligned with no particular party and cannot be sacked.
But he did resign (under sufference and a very very hard hitting radio interview with Laurence Reed on BBC Radio Cornwall). 

We collectively breathed a sigh of relief, despite his reluctance to go he had seen sense at last. We could stop worrying about the riots that we feared might ignite, those turning up on his doorstep who were less forgiving than I.

He would surely disappear into the ether and lick his wounded pride...

Or would he?

Apparently 3 cards from wellwishers and a handful of local chums persuaded him to join a disability charity, work with local families to make amends, stand again as Councillor.

Now don't even begin to ask which 'well-we-do-the-same-with-our-cows' constituents voted for him (sadly I am quoting one gentleman) but he got voted in on Friday, winning the Wadebridge East seat by a gnat's whisker of 4 votes. 

There was a recount. There were boos from some present. The disbelief amongst fellow candidates, journalists and media was tangible.

I can't get angry, I have much bigger fish to fry, but I will play my part in seeing this fool removed from office. For he is embarrassing us here in Cornwall, the world convinced his attitude is 'just part of behind-the-times-thinking which we country bumpkins have down here', which is simple not true. 

The community here is Cornwall is nothing short of warm and supportive. Everyone looks out for each other and more importantly accepts each others quirks and differences. Here in Cornwall is truthfully the only place in the UK that no-one ever stares at Natty, then me as if to see how old I am, then back at her to see how 'affected she is by the condition'. 

The public at large are outraged by Brewer's arrogance and smugness upon re-election. He is still stating that he did nothing wrong. Perhaps we could forgive and move on if he said he was wrong and deeply sorry. I spent 10 minutes calming down a very angry postman on Friday, who knocked on the door to tell my husband and I how upset he and his wife are for families like ours, how angry is he that smug Brewer is back in.

Then there was the young window cleaner who told me he 'wanted to deck him'. I couldn't possibly comment on that.

The egg farmer thanked me for all I am doing to get Brewer out, because, it turns out his neice has Down's Syndrome and he said I spoke for the whole of his family, saying what they couldn't put into words for anger. 

And so you see, the entire cross section of Cornwall is pretty fed up with the bad press this guy is bringing us. Not to mention those who say they won't visit because they fear their children being treated badly on holiday here.

And to those who say 'it was only a throw away comment', 'he didn't mean it' you are agreeing that our children are second class citizens, that such comments don't matter because they have a disability, they are assumed not to have a voice. Well these comments do matter, as much as the terrible racist jokes that filled sitcoms in the 70s as I grew up. They were only 'having a laugh' back then too weren't they... 

Already 92% of all babies disgnosed as having Down's Syndrome during pregnancy are terminated by terrified parnets who recieve little or no support in what to expect. Yes Mr Brewer, put down. Do you begin to see why the comments are so real and so painful?

For those who think we campaigning for his removal are sh%t stirring, I guess you have it almost correct. Not stirring, but trying to remove the dirt from our shoes. Freshen up and move on. Sometimes you simply have to make a stand for what is right. When we shine light brighly into dark corners the shadows always become darker, and they usually protest. Read Outshining the Bigots here.

I've written a couple of open letters to Collin, which you can read here and here.

There's an ePetition to sign here.

I discovered the online complaints form for Cornwall County Council. Pop over and tick the first 5 boxes, mention Collin Brewer and his unacceptable comment, which was witnessed by Disability Cornwall and mention where you are from. I'm sure we can lodge more complaint than the 335 votes he received.

There's also a demonstration at County Hall in Truro on Wednesday morning if you want to peacefully show your feelings.

My interview with Pirate FM news is aired on Tuesday.

I've written to everyone I know at Westminster and every journalist I have ever worked with and every disability group I know worldwide.

We'll keep you posted.

Thank you for your support.


I leave you with Natty's thoughts on the matter Mr Brewer:

Downs Side Up is shortlisted in Inspire, Outstanding and Commentary sections of the 

Brilliance in Blogging Awards. You can vote for us here:

Shortlisted in Brilliance in Blogging Awards

Last year I fell off my stool and jumped around the kitchen when I heard I had been nominated in the Inspire category of the BiBs Awards run by the wonderful Britmums.

This year I was nervous. Would people still find Downs Side Up inspiring now that we weren't a new blog on the block? Had I outstayed my welcome. There are many other fabulous Down's Syndrome blogs to choose from too now after all.

The shorlists were announced yesterday evening and the voting for the finals opened, and I was truly flabberghasted to have been listed, alongside many of my gurus and inspirations. Not just in one category, but 3!!!

Inspire - The content, the voice, the infectious enthusiasm of these bloggers encourages everyone around them. They are seen as leaders in their field and their inspiration is felt through the community.

Commentary - A blog is a bully pulpit and a place to highlight causes, raising awareness and funds, and being a force for positive change. Their topics might be global, local or personal. Whatever their cause, these bloggers did more than their bit, and helped us get involved too.

Outstanding - This blog grabs your attention and won’t let go. It looks good, it reads good, and the author is an active player in the social world.

Well, a glass of Prosecco was consumed in celebration.

How do I feel? Proud, humbled, mostly honoured to be among so many greats and really excited about meeting up with them all in London in June.

Thank you to everyone who reads my blog and enjoys it or finds it supportive. I would love you to pop over to the Britmums site and vote for us. It only takes a second to do and will help gently change perceptions of Down's Syndrome from within a few more hearts.

If you'd like to know what Downs Side Up has achieved this year, have a quick browse through the following. It's been a roller coaster, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of year I can tell you.

Now first of all I'd like to say that what I do, the Downs Side Up stuff, is not for any recognition or reward or payment. Basically I saw that the World was fearful of Down's Syndrome, so I began trying to change the World for my daughter and other families, so that they can have the best possible life. I also didn't want any other parents to feel as desperate as I did in the early days, purely out of ignorance and my own fear, so to them I offer tips, advice and hope.

Of course, the blog was how it all began. Downs Side Up is 16 months old now but the blog has long since become the hub of a large wheel of activity. I don't want to bore you, and even I find it hard to remember it all, so here's a list of some of the things I've done this year, in no particular order;

• I've met prospective parents and new parents for coffees and chats, and written to many hundreds of families online, often simply pointing them in the direction of a charity or organisation that can help them.

• The blog was voted 8th Top European Blog and 10th Top Family Blog by Circle of Moms readers.

• I became the Britmums Special Needs Editor, producing a round-up of the best posts around monthly.

• I was honoured to be the keynote speaker at the British Institute of Learning Disabilities annual conference, talking to professionals about my journey.

• I was invited to give Evidence in Parliament at the multi-party Enquiry into the Disability Abortion Law, where I pushed home the lack of support that families get when making such a decision, using anecdotes from those I have chatted to.

• I was asked to speak at the Salvation Army Conference and a local church group working on disability services.

• I've gone into local schools to talk to youngsters about inclusion and Down's Syndrome

• I have met amazing adults with learning disabilities and been inspired by them on my own journey as we have become friends.

• I've produced a little DVD to show to medical professionals, giving guidance on delivering a diagnosis and language used.

• I've posed naked, apart from a pair of mismatched funky socks, to raise funds for our 3 favourite DS charities. Yes, it was terrifying. @Kateonthinice made me do it!

• I've done last minute radio interviews on many subjects from disability benefits to parenting and blogging for BBC Radio Devon, BBC Radio Cornwall, Spin Radio and Heart Radio. 

• Natty became one of the UK's first models with Down's Syndrome. She has worked for Frugi, Jojo Maman Bebe, Eden Project and Scott Dunn.

• I found 7 other models with DS in the UK and organised a meeting at the DSA Head office for a celebratory photoshoot which ended in a lovely positive article in The Sun. See the behind the scenes fun here as our children change the face of advertising and encourage companies to be more inclusive.

• We've chatted on the ITV Daybreak sofa and stolen Kate and Dan's Danish pastries live on air.

• Made 500 people cry and stand in an ovation at Britmums Live after listening to What to Say When a Baby is Born with Down's Syndrome. (They are hoping to get Kleenex to sponsor this year!)

• ITV Westcountry featured us and our chickens in a piece about modelling and blogging.

• We've been featured in Bella Magazine, The Sun, Cornwall Today, The Mail and The Express and Woman's Own.

• I've sat through the night writing open letters to bigots, such as Geoffery Clark and Colin Brewer, there was a Girl Guides Brown Owl too. The letters have gone viral.

• I organise linkies and guest posts sessions to encourage others to write and share their experiences, for blogging is so cathartic.

• I've written articles and guest posts for SEN Magazine, Mummy and Me, My Child and Me, Learning Disability Today, Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, Elite Magazine, the Makaton Charity, MamaUK and so many more.

• I'm flying to Edinburgh to speak at the launch on 21st March of an incredible, powerful new photographic book called 6% My Photographs, Their Words by Graham Miller which features families and young people with Down's Syndrome. 

• I am spreading the word that 21st March is World Down Syndrome Day and encouraging as many people as possible to get involved to spread awareness.

• Natty has been awarded a Local Hero Child of Courage or Achievement Award for her modelling by Pirate FM.

Well, you get the idea. 

But to have that recognised is... well, I am very proud and it means that my efforts are having an effect.

Downs Side Up now takes up as much time as a full time job, mostly late into the night and when the children are at school. We live in Cornwall, so all that toing and froing to London is a bit of a pain, and we are often out of pocket. I sometimes have to turn things down because I can't fit it all in. We've even talked about moving to enable me to further my work.

I feel I have a duty to carry on, because I can.

And people seem to like listening and reading, so that's a bonus :)

The message is spreading that our children are a wonderful enhancement in life. So essentially all the late nights are worth it. So I'll carry on if you don't mind...

Thank you to everyone who nominated me for this award. I already feel like a winner and am in extraordinary company. I think all finalists should all just have a group hug on the night and a glass of prosecco. And thank you to everyone who has lifted me, inspired me and encouraged me. Those who have helped me through the scary moments when the trolls said unspeakable things about our precious daughter and I nearly gave up through fear. Those who helped spread the word, those who demanded I continue to shine a light into the darkest of shadows.

Thank you too to Britmums who first gave me that chance to find my voice, to Kateonthinice and MarisWorld, Susanna and Jennifer who have taught me so very much along the way.

Thank you. Thank you all.

You can vote here. 

Finalist in the MADS: Outstanding Blogger Award

I am always honoured and humbled that people like to read my rambling, emotional outpourings, tips and tricks. That they sweetly support my forays into nakedness, public speaking or whatever the latest media plan is.

I am reduced to tears at least weekly by readers' stories both positive and sad, and made to smile daily by the photos they send me of their wonderful children.

I am very proud to have been nominated in the Best Family Blog and Best Blog categories in this year's Mum and Dad Bloggers MADS by Parentdish. The blog gets neglected sometimes because other things take over, but I try my darnedest. Downs Side Up really has become a full time unpaid job so thank you.

THEN I was bowled over to hear that I had been nominated as a blogger who had made an outstanding contribution. Gosh. 

I always consider myself to be a 'rubbish' blogger.

To be honest I didn't know what a blog was when I started Downs Side Up just over a year ago and so I had no bench mark, nothing to compare myself to. I honestly didn't know what I was trying to be, so I just became what I had wanted to see and read when Natty was born. That has always been my only motive.

I found that putting on blinkers (ie not reading other similar blogs) was the only way to find my own voice, say my own thing in my own way, and this often leads me to not read or comment on others' blogs as often as I should. I hope they forgive me, although I'm getting better now that I've discovered Bloglovin'.

I probably work in a slightly artistic way: late into the night, I'm fluffy about deadlines and rather disorganised in my email inbox. I work from the heart, the gut feeling, the muse, the tiniest of motivations, a heart-stopping photo. I actually enjoy talking to people on Twitter, possibly a bit too much, but never for gain of followers.

I might promise you an article, and it'll be great, but you might have to remind me to finish it. You might ask me to review a product. I'll turn you down unless I think my readers would actually like it. Money doesn't ever feature for me, although it might make me remember to write your article ;) And actually, when one spends 10 hours a day on one's blog, a little recompense, just to cover one's costs might be prudent in the long run.

But as my blogging journey progressed, I got distracted. Writing sweet, inspirational, informative, powerful blog posts became the skeleton upon which speaking to doctors, teachers, students, parents, training, campaigning in parliament, taking ones clothes off for charity and to celebrate mummy bodies and pushing companies to include models with disabilities became the flesh. Parents told me I was changing their lives and that became the focus.

I have always counted this as being part of blogging properly. I mean blogging is always at the core of something more, right? But still I am a novice blogger. My site is not glossy and I still think SEO is someone in charge of a large company.

Then, along came the awards ceremonies, well the first of the year, the MADS. I was nominated in the MADS and BRITS last year which is a wonderful boost for any writer. Lots of my favourite bloggers won these awards, others I didn't know before are now an inspiration to me. I went to Brits Live and came back a better blogger and a bit less scared of London. Read Thank You for Having Me here. 

But far too distracted by sitting throught the night researching disability abortion law before facing a panel of MPs to read the MADS page I assumed 'nominations' meant just that, and that voting would come later. I sat and proudly smiled at being nominated.... and missed the voting boat.

Should I have been filling my blog with requests for them? I didn't. I actually don't like touting, but I might have asked my Mum and friends to put in a word, you know, to save face :)

@HerMelness recently wrote The Mad World of Blogging Awards, a post about how important it is to celebrate what you have achieved outside of and in addition to these official awards. I won't lie, it would have been nice to go through to the shortlist, to further spread our word and awareness of DS, but I will focus on other personal achievements. Thank you Mel for keeping us on the straight and narrow in Blogland.

Then, suddenly, I heard that there was a new category for the blogger who has made an outstanding contribution and that I had been nominated by parenting expert Sue Atkins. (I've since learnt others have nominated DSU too). I was utterly overwhelmed and very emotional. I am so very very proud to be considered in that light and yes, you can vote (it's confusingly called nominating) and yes, I will put the link here, if only to show you I am not a rubbish, disorganised blogger all the time ;)

Since writing this post I was honoured to be selected as 1 of 10 finalists in the Outstanding Contribution category. Here's my reaction to that news and a summary of what I've been up to this year on Downs Side Up.

I find this kind of blog post difficult to write. 

It's sort of embarrassing and I can certainly think of a couple of others who should be standing where I am now, some bloggers I nominated myself in fact.

But I am so very enormously proud to have been shortlisted as a finalist in the MAD (Mums and Dads) Blog Awards. The email came through on Mother's Day, which had been a bit different as my husband was working away. As I sat alone in the kitchen after the girls had gone to bed, I read and the tears began.

I rang my mum who was immensely proud. Then I went back to read the email again, just to be sure.

Yes, I had been shortlisted as one of 10 finalists in the surprise category that had been opened after the voting (or nominating as they call it, which confused silly old me, and led me not to ask even my family to vote for me, oooops). This category was called Blogger who has made an Outstanding Contribution.

I can't even write that without welling up again. Good grief.

Now first of all I'd like to say that what I do, the Downs Side Up stuff, is not for any recognition or reward or payment. Basically I saw that the World was fearful of Down's Syndrome, so I began trying to change the World for my daughter and other families, so that they can have the best possible life. I also didn't want any other parents to feel as desperate as I did in the early days, purely out of ignorance and my own fear, so to them I offer tips, advice and hope.

Of course, the blog was how it all began. Downs Side Up is 16 months old now but the blog has long since become the hub of a large wheel of activity. I don't want to bore you, and even I find it hard to remember it all, so here's a list of some of the things I've done this year, in no particular order;

• I've met prospective parents and new parents for coffees and chats, and written to many hundreds of families online, often simply pointing them in the direction of a charity or organisation that can help them.

• The blog was voted 8th Top European Blog and 10th Top Family Blog by Circle of Moms readers.

• I became the Britmums Special Needs Editor, producing a round-up of the best posts around monthly.
• I was invited to Number 10 Downing Street to a Mencap Reception hosted by Samantha Cameron. I met Baron Saatchi, Jo Whiley, The Edge and many many inspirational LD parents.

• I was honoured to be the keynote speaker at the British Institute of Learning Disabilities annual conference, talking to professionals about my journey.

• I was invited to give Evidence in Parliament at the multi-party Enquiry into the Disability Abortion Law, where I pushed home the lack of support that families get when making such a decision, using anecdotes from those I have chatted to.

• I was asked to speak at the Salvation Army Conference and a local church group working on disability services.

• I've gone into local schools to talk to youngsters about inclusion and Down's Syndrome

• I have met amazing adults with learning disabilities and been inspired by them on my own journey as we have become friends.

• I've produced a little DVD to show to medical professionals, giving guidance on delivering a diagnosis and language used.

• I've posed naked, apart from a pair of mismatched funky socks, to raise funds for our 3 favourite DS charities. Yes, it was terrifying. @Kateonthinice made me do it!

• I've done last minute radio interviews on many subjects from disability benefits to parenting and blogging for BBC Radio Devon, BBC Radio Cornwall, Spin Radio and Heart Radio. 

• Natty became one of the UK's first models with Down's Syndrome. She has worked for Frugi, Jojo Maman Bebe, Eden Project and Scott Dunn.

• I found 7 other models with DS in the UK and organised a meeting at the DSA Head office for a celebratory photoshoot which ended in a lovely positive article in The Sun. See the behind the scenes fun here as our children change the face of advertising and encourage companies to be more inclusive.

• We've chatted on the ITV Daybreak sofa and stolen Kate and Dan's Danish pastries live on air.

• Made 500 people cry and stand in an ovation at Britmums Live after listening to What to Say When a Baby is Born with Down's Syndrome. (They are hoping to get Kleenex to sponsor this year!)

• ITV Westcountry featured us and our chickens in a piece about modelling and blogging.

• We've been featured in Bella Magazine, The Sun, Cornwall Today, The Mail and The Express and Woman's Own.

• I've sat through the night writing open letters to bigots, such as Geoffery Clark and Colin Brewer, there was a Girl Guides Brown Owl too. The letters have gone viral.

• I organise linkies and guest posts sessions to encourage others to write and share their experiences, for blogging is so cathartic.

• I've written articles and guest posts for SEN Magazine, Mummy and Me, My Child and Me, Learning Disability Today, Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities, Elite Magazine, the Makaton Charity, MamaUK and so many more.

• I'm flying to Edinburgh to speak at the launch on 21st March of an incredible, powerful new photographic book called 6% My Photographs, Their Words by Graham Miller which features families and young people with Down's Syndrome. 

• I am spreading the word that 21st March is World Down Syndrome Day and encouraging as many people as possible to get involved to spread awareness.

• Natty has been awarded a Local Hero Child of Courage or Achievement Award for her modelling by Pirate FM.
• Natty has been chosen as one of 50 finalists out of 23,000 entrants into the Face of Kinder Competition.

Well, you get the idea. It's been a head-spinningly busy, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of year.

But to have that recognised is... well, I am very proud and it means that my efforts are having an effect.

Downs Side Up now takes up as much time as a full time job, mostly late into the night and when the children are at school. We live in Cornwall, so all that toing and froing to London is a bit of a pain, and we are often out of pocket. I sometimes have to turn things down because I can't fit it all in. We've even talked about moving to enable me to further my work.

I feel I have a duty to carry on, because I can.

And people seem to like listening and reading, so that's a bonus :)

The message is spreading that our children are a wonderful enhancement in life. So essentially all the late nights are worth it. So I'll carry on if you don't mind...

Thank you to everyone who nominated me for this award. I already feel like a winner and am in extraordinary company. I think all 10 finalists should all just have a group hug on the night. And thank you to everyone who has lifted me, inspired me and encouraged me. Those who have helped me through the scary moments when the trolls said unspeakable things about our precious daughter and I nearly gave up through fear. Those who helped spread the word, those who demanded I continue to shine a light into the darkest of shadows.

Thank you. Thank you all.

H x