Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
All people with Down’s matter and have a right to life
Model blasts Emmerdale over abortion storyline
A NORTHERN Irish model has penned a strong message to Emmerdale after a controversial storyline hit the headlines.
Kate Grant, 22, has strutted her way down catwalks at London and Belfast Fashion Week, appeared on TV commercials and starred as a cover girl on a magazine.
The Co Tyrone woman, who has Down’s Syndrome, took to social media in a message to the TV series which is to feature a storyline about a couple terminating their pregnancy after discovering their baby has the disorder.
Kate said: “Dear Emmerdale, I am Kate Grant, I am 22 years old and I am loved, I also love many people.
“I go to college, I have friends, I have a career as a model and have walked both London and Belfast Fashion Week.
“I have been an ambassador for the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi, I have presented an award at the American Influencer Awards in Hollywood, I have spoken at the UN in Geneva, I have been an ambassador for Benefit Make-up, I have been in one of River Island’s TV commercials, I have been a cover girl on a magazine.
“I have attended many social events with top brands from many industries.
“I have over 50,000 [ followers] across all my social media platforms and I have promoted top brands from the beauty industry from Bperfect and Bellamianta to Tropic Skincare and Voduz.
“I have represented my local parish, my local town, Northern Ireland, the UK and Ireland all on different occasions in different places around the world.
“I also went viral two years ago and received thousands of messages from around the world telling me I inspire them. I have also been awarded a BEM.
“I am sassy, fun and a girly girl who loves glitz and glam but also cosy pamper nights in my PJ’S with my mum and sister.
“I try to be kind every day, I can cook (my favourite thing to eat is a tuna toastie), I can clean, I can work and I can party and believe me I dance like no one is watching.
“I love life and life loves me and this is my right, a right that I have because my parents made the decision that I was enough, that I mattered and I do.
“Did I also mention I have Down’s syndrome? I matter.
“A l l p e o p l e w i t h D o w n’s Syndrome matter and have a right to life. Please don’t show the world
any different.”