Nicola Enoch, from Leamington Spa, founder of Positive about Down syndrome has won Star Mum at HELLO’s Inspiration Awards 2021 for her dedication as a mum and to the Down syndrome community. Nicola attended the ‘Summer in the City’ themed award ceremony, hosted by HELLO!

Chief Editor Rosie Nixon and presented by Anita Rani.

It was a star-studded event celebrating some of Britain’s most inspirational people who have gone above and beyond to help others, with guests including Sarah Ferguson, Elizabeth Hurley and Alisha Dixon.

Giovanna Fletcher who presented the Star Mum Award to Nicola spoke of Nicola’s love and desire for change, saying ‘you have changed the narrative around children being born with Down syndrome, we were told for decades that having children with Down syndrome was something to be feared but you have dispelled that huge amounts and I am really honoured to be giving you this award.’

Nicola, who was joined at the event with children Emily 20 and Tom 17, was nominated by colleague Chloe Stones for the award due to her commitment and dedication to ensure expectant and new parents receive the information and support they deserve, in contrast to her experience of desperate loneliness and lack of support after the birth of her son Tom who was diagnosed postnatally with Down syndrome.

Nicola set up local support group The Ups of Downs in 2006, and in 2017 launched Positive about Down syndrome (PADS), to provide and information and support to expectant and new parents of a child with a Down syndrome. The charity now works with over 1,500 families and 130 expectant mums nationally and works with maternity units across the UK to ensure the charity is the first port of call for any parent with a high chance or confirmed diagnosis.  

Of her award Star Mum winner Nicola said: “I am thrilled and honoured to have been voted Hello’s Star Mum. 

Seventeen years ago, I struggled enormously when we were told Tom has Down syndrome, the medical narrative to screen and avoid, and segregation in society of people with Down syndrome had influenced my views and led me to believe having a baby with Down syndrome was to be avoided, at all costs. Tom has taught me that there is nothing to fear about having a child with Down syndrome, and the true meaning of parenting is unconditional love. 

“Every child has strengths and challenges, and that is no different for a child with Down syndrome. Both my children give me the occasional sleepless night, and both make my heart burst with love and pride – that’s parenting!!  I hope that this Award shines a light on Positive about Down syndrome and the work that we do, so that no parent is fearful of having a baby with Down syndrome.”

Of her colleague Chloe said: ‘Nicola is an inspiration to us all, the community that she has built ensuring families of a child with Down syndrome feel included and part of a big PADS family is incredible. The support she has put in place and the plans she has to make sure our children thrive and lead fulfilled lives deserves this recognition and I am over the moon for her.’ 

New parent Toral Vadher, wrote, ‘Nicola, you deserve this award and more. You've been the backbone to our little community. So proud of everything you have achieved which is just to ensure that all new mums are supported, and the days aren't as dark as we imagine post diagnosis, regardless of dated views and what some medics think. It is Down Syndrome awareness month, so the timing of this award couldn't be more fitting!’

Positive about Down syndrome provides contemporary information, resources, and support for expectant and new parents with a high chance or confirmed diagnosis of a child with Down syndrome. The charity challenges outdated attitudes and perceptions around Down syndrome, promotes greater inclusion and acceptance by providing training and resources to maternity units, nurseries and schools, and celebrates the lives of people with Down syndrome.