Natty Wins Child of Courage or Achievement Award

FINALLY Friday came.

Our house was filled with excited women and one token man, all preening and beautifying each other.

We don't get out of our jeans and wellies nearly often enough, obviously!

Natty and Mia beamed from ear to ear as we washed and straightened hair, painted nails, including a layer of glitter, and gathered dresses, tights, new patent shoes and hair bows together. Their babysitter is a hairdresser and she came in to help and Natty sat stock still while she wielded the scary looking straightening irons through her fine hair. She wanted a touch of lip gloss and a wave of mascara to be like Mummy and Mia too.

We even pinned Daddy Downs Side Up down and plucked his eyebrowns and buffed his nails, and shaved his head. (You all do that to your menfolk before a big night out, right?)

Handbags were found and laid out ready...

Ready for the biggest family night of our lives! For we had all been invited to the Pirate FM Local Heroes Award Ceremony, a glitzy black tie affair, taking place against the beautiful backdrop of the Eden Project. Little Natty had been awarded the Child of Courage or Achievement Award for her modelling, opening of doors for children with disabilities everywhere and gently changing perceptions as she melts hearts wherever she goes.

And yes, there was to be a disco. "With actual DJs who actually work on Pirate FM playing the music we listen to on the radio". (Mia G, 9)

And yes, there was to be "staying up late". (Natty, 6)

And yes, the girls were "coming too". (Natty 6)

...And yes, there "was going to be champagne". (Mummy, 43).

We were dressed and ready to leave in plenty of time. The girls were a cloud of pink and yellow chiffon in the back of the car. As they sat poker still, I joked to Bob that my only stress was keeping them clean until the point that the awards were given out. My biggest nightmare would be a dinner swimming in gravy and a pudding floating in chocolate sauce. I believe pale chiffon is the biggest magnet for dark brown liquid foodstuffs.

"I'm sure they won't serve that..." (Daddy)

Mia and Natty all set to party

On arrival there was a red carpet to float along while photographers took shots from every angle. I bristled with pride as Natty and Mia confidently strode into the room filled with smartly dressed adults, with not another child in sight, apart from the wonderful young woman Megan Rumsey who had won Young Person of the Year for being an incredible sister and voice for those with disabilities.

Mia marvelled at the beautiful gowns, Natty asked everyone "What's your name?"

We sat at the beautifully decorated table, complete with gold bows on the back of the chairs and gold star-shapped ballons, "Just like my shoes!" exclaimed Natty. 

Of course, just for you inspirational girl.

We chatted to our category sponsors, the truly lovely people from Kidzworld who helped set up the event, and began eating. A simple Caprese salad to begin, followed by roast beef and... A SEA OF GRAVY! 

I panicked (thinking of possible big brown stain right down the front of that yellow chiffon) and the lovely waitress brought Natty a dry dinner without the sauce poor mite. Both girls had to be pursuaded by everyone at the table to wear their napkins, so we all ended up doing it to set an example.

Napkin fun

Help, my mother is embarrassing me

Oh and yes, there was chocolate sauce with the brownie for desert!

After dinner the the award ceremony opened with former X Factor star Amelia Lily singing a beautiful trio of songs, the last of which had the most beautiful lyrics that seemed so fitting for Natty. 'You Bring Joy, You Bring Pain'. My facade cracked and I began to cry. Natty took to the stage to meet Amelia and was presented with a signed photo of the singer.

There was some dancing and quite a bit of showing off and bottom wiggling.
That's Natty not Amelia you understand!

We were all emotional before we had even begun.

The awards began and we were all treat to an amazing array of stories that affirmed our belief in community and the human spirit. 

An elderly neighbour who collects prescriptions for those who can't get out. A young woman driven to raise money for eye charities following an eye problem of her own.

A chef who happens to be a supportive and thoughtful boss as well as a culinary genius. 

Parent of the Year, who is a positive force for her children, one of whom has Autism, despite being a single Mum and having her own health issues.

An amazingly brave Emergency service worker, a coastal rescuer, an environmental guardian angel, an encouraging teacher and great paralympic sportswoman and a lady with healing hands.

Natty's award was called. She and Mia took to the stage with neither parent to help them. I wanted both girls to feel an equal part of the celebrations, for Natty is only Natty because her big sister is such an incredible influence on her.

A video clip was played, showing an interview with Natty and I. I don't mind admitting I sobbed like a baby, taking handfuls of the tissues thoughtfully provided on each table.

The clip was funny as well as heartwarming, featuring raspberries, funny faces, more bottom wiggling and a few "You are joking!'s". You can watch it here.

            

The audience laughed with Natty and she and Mia took the applause well, beaming even wider from ear to ear.

They were presented with a selection of toys from World's Apart (who Natty has modelled for ) and a family pass to Kidzworld. Natty couldn't have been happier as she stood and posed for the journalists centre stage.

We had just enough time to meet a couple of the Heroes before some had to leave.

2 people really stood out for me, Matt Vernon who tried desperately to save the woman whose car slipped off the King Harry Ferry slipway last month. An unassuming man who embodies all that society should be, and Shane Edwards who offers oncology massage and has worked her calming and relaxing magic on over 1000 cancer sufferers many of them terminally ill. A woman who simply radiates love and care.

We were just throwing some shapes on the dancefloor when we realised we were in danger of turning into pumpkins. Natty was flagging and finding the music a little loud, so Mia had to cut her wild routine to Guns and Roses short. It was half past midnight!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the sponsors and Pirate FM and the judges and nominators and fellow heroes and all those who made Friday night possible.

I know 2 little ladies who had, quite simple, the night of their lives.

I leave you with a quote from Natty this weekend:

"I want party again. I want gold shoes and present for me and surprise for me and music and dance, waggy bottom." And that sums it up in a nutshell. 

Happy to have been nominated here:

                                                                

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:

Our Local Hero: Natty G

Today a lovely positive little piece came out in our local newspaper. 

I was immediately struck by the positive headline. No 'Downs Girl' here as so many of the nationals have previously written about Natty. And the article quite rightly praised Mia for being as much a part of the success story.

The picture shows 'No Papps Natty' holding her glass star award for Child of Courage or Achievement of the Year, an accolade which she won for opening the doors of the advertising world to children with disabilities, changing the face of beauty and also being an inspirational role model to many families, changing perceptions of Down's Syndrome and providing hope (her middle name as it happens).

Interview with Natty G and Mummy

On Friday night Natty was awarded her Local Hero Award for Child of Courage or Achievement of the Year. We are still, quite frankly, riding very high on the emotions of the night.

Here is the little interview clip Natty and I made a few days before the glitzy ceremony. She makes me howl with laughter as she sets out her showing off skills. Thank goodness they left out her answer to 'Tell us about Mummy?'
The little minx said I had a 'Smelly bottom'.

I can assure you that isn't true.


              

It was all very last minute and a bit short notice (as you can see by my appalling hair!) but I hope we managed to work our positive magic anyway.

H x

Silent Sunday