About Us

“Hi, I’m Margaret! Shauna my youngest daughter, has Down Syndrome. I became a member of the Liverpool branch of the DSA shortly after Shauna was born as I realised that support of other people in the same situation was important. I love being part of DSL and am so happy to see how it has grown and we are able to support so many families. I am keen to raise awareness and show that having a child with DS is not the end of the world. I love to share Shauna's achievements and those like her. Hopefully this encourages parents to see a positive future and educate professionals and the public showing that people with DS can and do contribute to the society in which they live.”

“Hi, I’m Ana! My son, Declan was born in 2004 and I became a trustee initially then he was 6 years old. I am currently Secretary having stepped back as Chair in 2026.

DSL has meant so much to me over the years, supporting me, Declan and his brothers. All of my extended family have benefitted from being involved in DSL, gaining a better understanding of the challenges Declan might face as he got older. It's been my privilege to see this charity grow and develop it's activities across our ever growing membership. I know how much DSL has meant to me and want to continue to offer the same support to other families in the future.”

“Hi, I’m Maria! I have a nephew with Down Syndrome, who benefits from this wonderful charity. This is how I became a Trustee, I wanted to give back and support the charity that has done so much to support my nephew and his mum. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the smiles on the faces of the many members and families who attend the events that we arrange. I think there is a huge feeling of community and togetherness with one common bond. DSL is not just a charity, it is an extended family and I am privileged to be a small part of it.”

 “Hi, I’m Jackie! One of my grandsons, Lewis, was born with Down Syndrome and DSL have helped us in so many ways ever since entering their community. I have been a Trustee now for a number of years. I first decided to join the committee because I felt I wanted to give something back as a thank you for what we have experienced and appreciated since Lewis arrived. I loved the idea of helping with the ongoing effort to raise much needed funds to ensure we could carry on supporting our families in any way possible. I am so looking forward to raising awareness about the charity and supporting families.” 

  "Hi I am Lesley! I am the new parent lead - here's a little about myself.  I am 42, have 3 children and have been part of the DSL family since Edward my youngest was born.  You will usually catch me chasing my own tail as things are just never done are they? I am a regular attendee at our monthly DSL playgroup with Edward so he can play with all of his friends and I can have a good old catchup with all the parents who go.  If there's anything I can do to help anyone, please get in touch. "

   “Hi, I’m Emma! I came to my first DSL AGM with my daughter Morrigan when she was weeks old, eager to learn all I could about the local charity who would inevitably become a huge part of her life. Spending time with members of the Parent and Toddler group proved to be a huge support for my husband and I in those early months of information overload and I knew I wanted to get more involved. I look forward to seeing DSL go from strength to strength, continuing to help develop, support and encourage people with Down Syndrome and their families.”

   “Hi, I’m Mich! I have been a member of DSL since the birth of my son Jackson in 2016, who has Down Syndrome. Having received such wonderful support from fellow members over the years, I have recently taken on the role as trustee to give back to the community and help other families. 

I am dedicated to raising awareness and passionate about inclusive education and equal opportunities. ”

“Hi, I’m Rena! have been a Trustee of DSL for many years.  I joined the association when my daughter Katie, who has Down Syndrome was just 12 months old. Primarily, I wanted to meet other parents and get some support all those years ago, but once part of the DSL family I soon learnt this association was much more that just a support network. For me personally it is about having an extended family out there who is always ready to listen, share their personal experiences and show me that no matter what comes along ‘we can all do this together’ as one big family striving to improve the lives of our children and the lives of all young people with Down Syndrome.” 

   "Hello, I am John Hogan and I am married to Margaret. We have three grown up children, Kieron, Niall and Shauna, Shauna is a wonderful young lady and she has Down syndrome. I had the privilege of being Chairperson of Down Syndrome Liverpool for thirteen years. I thought I had retired however, DSL asked me to be the organisation’s President, someone who can be rolled out from time to time to speak for and represent DSL. As the association continues to grow and develop its support and activities for members, I am grateful for the opportunity to still be involved with this wonderful group of people! "