A SUCCESSFUL Down’s Syndrome awareness campaign which originated in Coventry had its latest video broadcast to the nation on ITV’s This Morning.
A group of mums and their children with the genetic disorder – many from Coventry and Solihull – have been propelled to fame.
The families’ first video was one of the most successful viral videos in history, as 50 mums lip-synced to famous songs with their kids in their cars.
The video uses Makaton sign language – a slimmed-down form of British Sign Language used by those who need extra support while learning speech.
It gained 230 million views in over 30 countries.
They have repeated the trick on four occasions and have drawn support from a host of celebrities such as James Corden and Christina Perri.
Michael Buble is the latest to show his support after his song was used in the group’s Christmas-themed video which was aired last week – with ITV host Rochelle Humes moved to tears.
The latest video features Buble’s version of the Mariah Carey classic ‘All I Want for Christmas’ and the This Morning team, the parents and their children singing along in Makaton.
And it included a surprise personal message from Buble himself.
The group – now consisting of 48 mums – aims to tackle negative perceptions of Down’s Syndrome.
It is a genetic disorder typically associated with physical growth delays, mild to moderate intellectual disability, and distinctive facial features.
The campaign culminated in the formation of the charity Wouldn’t Change a Thing.
Chairman of Wouldn’t Change a Thing, Jamie McCallum, said: “The lives of people with Down’s Syndrome have changed immeasurably over the last few decades, but society’s perceptions have failed to keep up.
“Living happy, independent, working lives can be a reality now and research proves that families are happier for having the condition in their lives.
“But if no-one tackles society’s outdated perceptions of Down’s Syndrome then less families, schools and workplaces will experience the wonderful value that it can bring.”
Becky Carless – inspired by her son Archie – is the Coventry mum who came up with the idea for the original video.
Other Coventry mums involved with the campaign are Jenny Nurse and her son Josh and Joanne Franklin with her son Seb.
In Chelmsley Wood, Solihull, Julie Williams and her son Evan and Sharon Underwood and Poppie, aged five, also featured in the videos and are involved with the charity.
