A group of parents from Northern Ireland has taken a unique approach to marking World Down’s Syndrome Day by recording a music video. Instead of featuring pop stars or celebrities, the video showcases parents of children with Down’s syndrome singing a cover of Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten.” The release of the video aims to raise awareness of the condition and celebrate the diversity of the Down’s syndrome community.
Down’s syndrome, a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome, affects around 60,000 people in the UK. The heartfelt lyrics of the song resonate with Sara McNeill, a mother of a four-year-old with Down’s syndrome, who sees the video as the beginning of a journey with their children.
The initiative is part of a new charity called Together21 NI, established to address the lack of social opportunities and services for children with Down’s syndrome and their families in Northern Ireland. The vibrant group of parents has already provided support to 80 families and continues to plan for the future.
Laura Mulholland, a mother in the group, finds solace in the WhatsApp support group created by the charity, emphasizing the importance of connecting with other parents facing similar challenges. The parents involved hope to not only raise awareness of Down’s syndrome but also highlight the support available to families in need.
In a time when social support and understanding are crucial, the music video and the efforts of Together21 NI serve as a beacon of hope and unity for families in the Down’s syndrome community.