Thanks for taking the time to visit Elliot's JustGiving page.

Elliot was born in September 2012 and surprised us 4 weeks early with his extra special chromosome. We were told that he had Down's Syndrome which means he had 3 instead of 2 copies of chromosome 21. 

As we got to know our (exceptionally cute) little baby, we soon found him to be easy going, a great sleeper, calm, smiley and an extremely charismatic and clever little person. Chloe adored her little brother and their relationship was magical - I have never seen siblings like it. There was never a single moment of sibling animosity! He was a dream baby and despite our worries for his future, he was perfect.

Our world had transformed into one filled with medical appointments, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, development groups, sign language courses, heart scans, blood tests, sight tests, hearing tests...the list goes on. Elliot thought is was all fantastic fun and charmed every consultant and therapist he met with his amazing smile and natural rapport.

Within a few weeks we joined the Down's Syndrome baby group at the hospital where we met some amazing families with beautiful, inspiring children. The families in the group encouraged us to get involved with Down's Syndrome Oxford (DSO), a local group that supports people with Down's Syndrome and their families from birth. Elliot joined the Early Development Group which helped him to learn new skills and make new friends. DSO gave us some fantastic memories by putting on days out for all the family and organising activities. Chloe loved the days out and was always made to feel just as welcome as Elliot. Our network was huge and we NEVER felt like we were alone. In fact, our families felt so normal that it seemed odd to know families who didn't have the benefit of an extra chromosome in the family! We have made what we hope will be lifelong friends through DSO which means a great deal to us.

Elliot was diagnosed with leukaemia when he was 17 months old. He cruised through his treatment with strength, determination and without fear. He never lost his cheekiness and learnt to walk, sign and get into trouble like any other nearly 2 year old. He would drop his favourite toy or stop playing his game to come and give us a hug or a kiss if we asked for one and unlike any other 2 year old, put other people's feelings before his own!  He was inspiring. He recovered and we spent a happy summer with him before he relapsed in September 2014. He died in March 2015 just as he turned two and a half. He spent his last few months living life to the full - he felt well most of the time and we made the most of every minute with our happy little boy.

Since Elliot died, he has raised thousands of pounds for some of the charities that he benefited from such as Helen House Children's Hospice and Clic Sargent. DSO was our local charity that continues to support Elliot's many friends - DSO was instrumental in helping Elliot to make the most of what he could do (which was everything and anything!) and they supported us when we could have felt isolated and alone. 

Elliot's extra chromosome was a gift to us and to him. We hope that by doing this event (and hopefully raising some funds!) we will open people's hearts and minds to just how wonderful the world is with our gorgeous children and friends with Down's.

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