Mar 2022
World Down’s Syndrome Day
World Down’s Syndrome Day on 21st March is a global awareness day, the date is always the 21st day of the third month to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down’s syndrome.
Matthew Peach, Head Chef at Edwardstow Court, shares his family’s story following the birth of his lovely daughter, Ivy-Rose who was born with an extra chromosome.
Matt said “We had four children and were overjoyed when we found out we were expecting another addition. The family were waiting patiently to meet our new baby and finally the day arrived when Amy, my wife, went into labour. After a short labour baby Ivy-Rose came into the world, we were in love with our bundle of joy and everything seemed as it should be, Ivy-Rose was feeding well, and my wife was doing well and ready to be discharged home only four hours later!
The paediatrician arrived to check over Ivy-Rose, just like they had done with our other four children. The paediatrician said straight away said “Have you noticed anything different about this child from our others?” Amy and I looked at each other and immediately replied “No! Why? What is wrong?” The paediatrician then went on to say, “Look at her eyes they are an almond shape, her neck is very small, and her palm creases are different from those of a normal child”. We asked what that means, to be told “I think your baby has a condition called Down’s Syndrome, but we will need to do blood tests to confirm”. Amy immediately burst into tears, we didn’t know what to think, all I could see was our beautiful daughter who looked like her sisters and who m we loved with all our heart. We then had a long wait while we saw many different doctors to check different things and almost all the doctors greeted us with “I’m sorry your baby has Down’s Syndrome”. The day came when the results were in to confirm our beautiful Ivy-Rose was living with Down’s Syndrome and she had a Down’s Syndrome called Trisomy 21.
Well, we are now almost three years down the line and Ivy-Rose has taken us on the scenic route which has been filled with so much love, joy, and laughter. Ivy-Rose now has an amazing team of professionals around her who support her to reach her full potential. We have seen 100s of different doctors and some have had such a negative perception of Down’s Syndrome. Her play group in Moreton-in-Marsh have been amazing and they support Ivy-Rose to access the same activities as her peers, which she loves! Ivy-Rose never gives up and tries her best at all she does. Her extended family all love her dearly and Ivy-Rose shows so much love for them also.
Amy discovered the charity called ‘Wouldn’t Change a Thing’ that fights for inclusion for children living with Down’s Syndrome. The Wouldn’t Change a Thing community has really supported our family and has helped us come to terms with Ivy-Roses’ extra chromosome. We have met other families, shared stories, and we’ve learnt so much from them. Our older children are constantly trying to raise funds for the charity by planning school bake sales, sponsored walks, and non-uniform days at school.
Ivy-Rose is also now an ambassador for the charity and my wife Amy is heavily involved with social media for the charity. I’m overjoyed that Edwardstow Court and the wider Trust are supporting my family in recognising World Down’s Syndrome Day this year to raise awareness and inclusion for all. The Trust has supported my family over the last three years with time off for important medical appointments, access to wellbeing support and now in raising awareness”.
Edwardstow Court will be decorating the home in bright colours and will be wearing odd socks to raise funds for Wouldn’t Change a Thing.