Brothers in arms are full of life
THIS is Daniel and James. They are teenager brothers who both love swimming, Marvel films and loud music. They are only one year apart in age so have always been close and go to the same school. Like all brothers they sometimes annoy each other, but they have a special bond too. James, 15, has Down’s syndrome.
Daniel, 16, was one when his little brother was born so he’s grown up knowing all about Down’s syndrome.
Sometimes he’s had to “remind” people not to make rude remarks about James, but mostly that’s not the case and he’s proud of his brother getting on with life.
“I like him, he’s kind and funny,” James, 15, says of his older brother.
Daniel is proud of how seriously James takes his school work and how he’s made friends.
“James is my brother. We do things together and support each other. We always look out for each other,” he said. “There have been occasions when I have had to stick up for James or give people a reminder that there’s no need to be rude, but most people are very positive.”
The brothers, from Barry, are members of Whitmore Bay Surf Lifesaving Club and James is also a member of Bridgend Sharks swimming club. He also does karate lessons and loves gaming on his XBox. They have a younger sister Emily, 11.
Daniel and James go to St Richard Gwyn Catholic High in Barry. They share some friends but James, who attends mainstream lessons with oneto-one help, has his own friends.
The three siblings take Down’s syndrome as a normal, everyday part of life, but also want to raise awareness.
They took part in a video for the Wouldn’t Change A Thing campaign to mark yesterday’s World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD).
“I don’t think the public are as knowledgeable about the positives of Down’s syndrome,” said Daniel.
“Doing the video and this campaign gives an insight into how normal and positive it is. There is no difference,
James is our brother.”
Emily adds: “James has a good sense of humour and Daniel is kind. I think it’s very important people understand having a child with Down’s syndrome is amazing and all the positivity it brings.”
Their parents Kate, an NHS physiotherapist, and town planner Mark, have always made sure James is treated the same as his siblings. He has to help with household chores and enjoys helping cook Sunday roast.
Kate, who had James when she was 28, said there are many false beliefs, including that only older mothers have babies with Down’s syndrome, although awareness and knowledge have improved in recent years.
“As a family we have always valued the effect of being active. James is hyper mobile so he likes the freedom of being in water and swims like a fish.
“James is a typical teenage boy. Daniel doesn’t know what the fuss is about. To him James is just his brother.”