It’s hard to put in to words just how much PADS (Positive about Down Syndrome) has supported us since the start of our journey with Poppy but we will give it a try! 

At 21 weeks in to my pregnancy after our scan we were told that the scan picked up an anomaly that in some cases can be linked to Down Syndrome. The lovely screening midwife at Warwick hospital explained our testing options and the risks involved. We knew that whatever the outcome we would keep our baby but felt we wanted to know if Poppy was going to have Down syndrome so we could educate and prepare ourselves as much as possible. We decided to have a non invasive blood test which is 99% accurate. A week after the test we were told that our baby had a 99% chance of being born with Down syndrome. 

We reached out to PADS as soon as we have received the result and we can honestly say they did make us feel more positive about Down Syndrome and about Poppy’s future. They instantly made us feel like we were not alone and have  provided us with information and support throughout our journey so far. There have many highs and lows and we know there will be many more to come but knowing that PADS is there for us every step of the way has been a great comfort for us. Our first 4 months with Poppy have been filled with joy, happiness and positivity and we wholeheartedly say that PADS has helped us feel this way. 

On Sunday 21st August. We are going to be involved in The Big PADS push to raise money so more expectant and new parents get support just like we have. 

A note from PADS:

We are organising The Big PADS Push on August 21st 2022. This has been a huge success in the past at raising awareness and funds that go directly to providing resources and support to new and expectant parents of children with Down Syndrome. The Big PADS Push is a chance to have some fun whilst helping the PADS cause. Get family and friends to sponsor your little ones to drive around on their ride ons, be pushed in their Pushchairs, scoot around and see the local sights. In previous years we have raised a total of over £9000 which went to printing and sending #NobodyToldMe to hospitals across the country and directly to new and expectant parents. This year we are raising money to reach even more families and professionals to provide support, training and resources to ensure our babies and young children can flourish!