Meet The Trustees

“Hi, I’m Margaret! Mum of three and grandma of two. Shauna my youngest daughter, now 30 has Down Syndrome. I became a member of the Liverpool branch of the DSA shortly after Shauna was born. I realised when Shauna was born that support of other people in the same situation was important. I love being part of DSL and 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! became a Trustee when my son, Declan, was 6 years old. In the blink of an eye he is now 18, so that makes it 12 years by my maths! I had gained so much from being a member of DSL that I just wanted to give a little bit back and support other families with little ones new to the group. It has been an absolute joy to watch the “little ones” turn into fine young people with different interests, hobbies and how much they thrive…given a chance.

I think my favourite thing about being a Trustee is watching our young people at our events having a ball knowing that every second of the preparation was a labour of love from all the Trustees.”

“Hi, I’m Anne! I am married to Joe, and we have three children, James, Molly, and Sam. We became members of DSL when Molly was a baby. I co-founded DSL when we became independent from the main DSA branch back in 2003 and have been honoured to continue on the committee ever since. My Molly is a real source of inspiration to me. Her determination is constant, and she has a real stubborn streak, which helps her to realise her goals. The one thing I have learnt during my time with DSL is never to underestimate our children. They are so different and so unique and given the right encouragement or a push in the right direction; they can achieve so much and have a real contribution to make in our society. 

“Hi, I’m Rena! have been a Trustee of DSL for the last 19 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 them 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.”

“Hi, I’m Maria! have been a trustee for four years but was a Co-Opted Trustee before that. 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 families who attend the events that we arrange for our members and their families. 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 6 years. I first decided to join the committee because I felt I wanted to give something back as a thankyou to 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’m Claire! I have been a Trustee now with DSL for a year and it is an honour to be part of such a strong, proactive team making a difference every day to families who are lucky enough to have someone with DS in their lives. I decided I wanted to become a Trustee following the birth of my daughter Millie. I received so much love and support from DSL that it was important for me to be able to give something back. What I love most about being a Trustee is seeing our children, young people and their families having so much fun together in a community that truly celebrates DS.” 

 “Hi, I’m Leanne! Although I am only new to the trustee board, I have been a member of DSL for the last 6 years. I have direct experience of the foundational support the charity's work has given. Our family has gained so much from DSL and I really want to give something back. I am continually inspired not only by my son Kerem, but all of the children and young people with Down syndrome and along with my nursing background and personal knowledge I am passionate about supporting new families and widening inclusive teaching and education. I am particularly excited about taking part in the fundraising activities and making lots more memories within the community and charity.”  

  "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 could about the local charity who would inevitably become a huge part of her life. Spending time with members of the New 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. Fast forward 12months and I became a trustee. My favourite part of DSL is seeing worried new parents with tiny babies grow into proud parents with feisty toddlers! 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.”

   "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, until a few years ago. I thought I had retired, however, D.S.L. asked me to be the organisation’s President, someone who can be rolled out from time to time to speak for and represent D.S.L. 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! "