“Doctors said my daughter would never achieve anything – but now she’s a supermodel!”

Rosanne Stuart’s daughter has Down syndrome but she was determined to not let it stand in the way of her dreams – and today the 21 year old is taking the fashion world by storm

Strutting down S the catwalk, Madeline Stuart exudes confidence. But she’s not your average supermodel. For Madeline has Down syndrome, and is the first ever adult professional model with the condition.

Madeline, now 21, has appeared in Vogue, modelled at New York Fashion Week, and goes to parties with the A-list, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Eva Longoria and Nicole Scherzinger.

Her mum, Rosanne, 46, says, “People used to stare at Madeline because she looked different, but now they stare because they recognise her. They see beyond her disability. She’s shaken up people’s attitudes to Down syndrome and gives people hope.”

When Madeline was born, Rosanne, then 26, had no idea she had the genetic condition, which occurs as a result of an extra chromosome. Rosanne, who split from Madeline’s dad when she was one, says, “I’d never heard of Down syndrome, but she displayed the classic signs – like her almond-shaped eyes – and doctors diagnosed her soon after birth. I was told she’d never achieve anything, and that she’d only mature to the age of seven. They suggested I could have her adopted, but I never considered giving her up.”

INCREDIBLE BOND

Heart defects are common in people born with Down syndrome, and Madeline needed open-heart surgery at just eight weeks old. She spent much of her first year in hospital, and today still has three holes in her heart. Developmental effects of the condition also vary greatly, and include learning difficulties.

Rosanne says, “Despite Madeline’s rocky start, she’s a fighter. She took her first steps at 15 months and attended mainstream school, as well as dance classes – although her condition means her reading, writing and speech are limited. We have an incredible bond. I adore her.”

In April 2014, Madeline came home from a dance class in tears, because she wasn’t as fit as her friends.

Rosanne says, “Madeline loved to dance, but she was struggling to keep up with her friends. People who have Down syndrome often struggle with their weight because they love food, and Madeline was a size 16. When I saw how upset she was, I gently explained that, if she wanted to keep up, she would have to get fitter – and that I would help her. Instantly, she nodded in agreement, so we got rid of all the biscuits, crisps and cakes, swapping them for carrot sticks, tomatoes and blueberries.

“I also drove Madeline to the swimming pool every day, where I’d walk alongside her, encouraging her. At first she found it hard, but her fitness gradually improved.”

BEAUTIFUL

Within twelve months Madeline had dropped four dress sizes, going from a 16 to an 8.

Rosanne says, “She was unrecognisable, but the biggest difference was how happy and energetic she was.”

Shortly afterwards, Rosanne took Madeline to a fashion show in Brisbane. Watching the glamorous women parading down the catwalk inspired Madeline – she wanted to be a model, too.

Rosanne says, “She fell in love with the idea. I knew nothing about the industry and, to me, modelling meant doing a shoot in a studio. So I took Madeline to a local photographer and arranged for her to have her picture taken, along with hair and make-up.

“She looked so beautiful in the photos that I uploaded them to Facebook – along with a picture of Madeline before she’d lost weight. I couldn’t

believe it when I saw how many people were liking and sharing the photos. Soon, they’d had over seven million views, and three clothing brands had asked Madeline to model for them at New York Fashion Week. I was worried people might be unkind or exploit her, but eventually I said yes, warning her it would be hard work.”

In September 2015, Madeline and Rosanne flew to New York, where she became the first adult professional model with Down syndrome to strut the runway.

Rosanne remembers, “She wasn’t nervous at all. I stayed with her while she had her make-up done backstage, then waited in the audience. As Madeline walked the runway, wearing a long white gown and platform sandals, I cried tears of pride. She turned, then sashayed back, slowing down only to high-five the front row.

“I felt euphoric that people were accepting her, and seeing beyond the fact she has Down syndrome. When you have a disabled child, you spend your life thanking people for including them in day-to-day life. But now Madeline was being celebrated.”

That week, Madeline became a global sensation. She’s since worked in London, Paris, LA, Dubai, Russia and Australia, has been photographed by Vogue, and gets up to 37 million views on channels like Buzzfeed.

CONFIDENT

“At first, I felt sick with worry that she’d fall over, or that people would be cruel,” admits Rosanne. “But travelling has taught her to adapt and socialise, when previously she’d get frustrated in new situations. Now, she’s so confident, she’ll walk up to people and shake their hands. She’s the life and soul of the party, and loves being asked for her autograph.”

Madeline has been embraced by other models and celebs alike, and has met Eva Longoria, Matt Dillon, Nicole Scherzinger and Jamie Foxx.

“At one fundraiser, she spent the evening hugging and dancing with Jamie Foxx,” laughs Rosanne. “He taught her some new moves, and they chat on Instagram.”

And while Madeline doesn’t yet have the earning power of the catwalk superstars, she does get paid well, travels the world and is financially independent. She’s also launched her own clothing line, 21 Reasons Why.

“The fashion weeks are an exhausting whirlwind,” admits Rosanne. “But I make sure Madeline gets 11 hours’ sleep, because of her heart condition.”

Madeline has annual cardio checks, but Rosanne is painfully aware that she’ll soon need open-heart surgery again, to repair a valve.

She says, “I just want to keep her happy and healthy. But it gives me peace to know she’s getting the most out of life. Her success shows that she’s finally been accepted in the world. I’m so proud of her.”

Madeline says, “I love being on the runway, it makes me feel so happy and excited, and I’m proud that I’m helping to change people’s attitudes to Down syndrome. I want to change the perception that people with Down syndrome aren’t attractive. My ultimate goal is to model for Victoria’s Secret.”

❛SHE’S THE LIFE AND SOUL OF THE PARTY AND LOVES BEING ASKED FOR HER AUTOGRAPH❜