Surprise award for Down’s campaigners
Jamie and Rebecca were behind a Carpool Karaoke-style video celebrating children with Down’s syndrome which was viewed more than 500 million times and endorsed by celebrities including James Corden.
Jamie, 42, from Prestwick, Scotland, and fellow parent Rebecca, 38, from Coventry, who now have a charity, Wouldn’t Change A Thing, dedicated to altering perceptions of the condition, had no idea they were going to win the award.
Shocked and tearful as they arrived on the stage, Jamie laughed: “I knew they were up to something, but it’s a good surprise.”
Speaking of his daughter,
Rosie, eight, who has Down’s syndrome, he said: “Rosie is a force to be reckoned with. She has opened doors in my mind that will never be closed.”
Explaining the reason they decided to do the viral video, Rebecca, who has a son, Archie, also eight, with Down’s syndrome, said: “Each birthday I take myself back to the day he was born and I still have that guilt of feeling sad. I don’t want any other parents to feel that way. He is part of our family and I wouldn’t take the Down’s syndrome from him.
“He shouldn’t have to change for anybody.”
Rebecca Carless and Jamie McCallum received their award from Paddy McGuinness as their children looked on
Top Gear presenter Paddy McGuinness then made a surprise entrance with Rosie and Archie and their siblings, giving them piggybacks on the way to the stage, to present their award.
“There goes your night off,” he joked, adding: “I have just spent time with your kids, and they are a credit to you, and you’re amazing parents.”
Still in shock as she spoke afterwards, Rebecca said: “You’re sitting in a room with some pretty inspirational people, then we’re up there, and I’m thinking, ‘hang on a minute!’ It’s very humbling.”