Caroline White

Caroline White is a working mum living in Bath with her husband Simon and their three children - Seb, 5, Dominic, 2 and Polly, 7 weeks. She hit the headlines in late 2012 when, after a plea to several retailers to represent 'difference', M&S used her son Seb in their high profile Christmas campaign - on TV, online and in-store. Seb has and made history as the first model with Down's syndrome to be featured in a high profile UK TV ad campaign. Caroline is passionate about raising awareness of Down's Syndrome in an attempt to banish the outdated stereotypes that still exist about the condition. She regularly writes blogs about their typical family life together and hopes specifically to help new parents or parents-to-be see from the outset that their child is an individual and not a condition. Caroline regularly speaks of her own experience, from the (unnecessary) heartbreak at being told about Seb's diagnosis to the pride she feels now. She is also passionate about inclusion, in schools and communities, which she believes will breed a new generation of acceptance and will ensure people with a learning disability are treated as equal and valued members of society.

Caroline is a keen speaker and in April 2013 she was invited to speak at a Tedx event organised by Kings College London titled 'Beyond the Genes'. She has also worked closely with the Dept of Work and Pensions on their recent Role Models campaign, designed to inspire young adults with a disability. Her links with Mencap and The Down's Syndrome Association have taken her to events at the House of Lords and No 10 Downing Street, hosted by Samantha Cameron, and this summer the Special Olympics Great Britain is hosting the games in her home city of Bath. Caroline is delighted to be involved in the Youth Activity Programme which aims to set up an inclusive sports programme as part of the Games legacy committee.

When she has any spare time(!), she enjoys running and completed the Bath Half Marathon in 2011 to raise money for Bath Opportunity Pre-School.

Tedx talk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU9nAO2dj0w