Consett photographer launches Down's syndrome project

Debbie Todd will spend a year meeting and photographing children like James

A photographer who likes to celebrate people not normally found in the limelight has turned her camera on children with Down's syndrome.

Debbie Todd, from near Consett in County Durham, said she wanted to "highlight some amazing children" with her project called Extra Ordinary.

The campaign is being launched on 21 March, World Down's Syndrome Day.

She has already met children from the north east of England but is eager to photograph others from across the country.

Down's syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome and causes differing levels of ability in different people.

Debbie Todd will spend a year putting together her Extra Ordinary project

Ms Todd, who has won awards for her work with people with disabilities, said children with Down's syndrome were "exactly the same as all other children", with "their own personalities" and "sense of self and style".

She said: "We want to show the world how these children, like all children, are very unique in their own way but are just children, finding their own way in the world."

Ms Todd is aiming to put together an exhibition in March 2025 "showcasing the stories of some children with Down's syndrome, to normalise it and promote inclusion".

Laura, whose two-year-old daughter Lucy is one of those to have already been photographed, said: "We've learnt how unique every child with Down's syndrome truly is.

"Raising awareness like this is so important. Having an extra chromosome really does make children with Down's syndrome extra ordinary."

Ms Todd shared the stories of some of those children she has already met.

Seven-year-old Luna from Consett loves swimming, has a "beautiful smile" and an "extremely stubborn streak", according to her parents

Isaac, six and from Whitley Bay, loves playing with a ball and "making people laugh with his funny faces and cheeky personality", his parents told Ms Todd

Six-year-old Austin from Hexham has a "real love" for dressing up and has "the most amazing imagination and memory with a great sense of humour", his family said

Maisie, eight and from Wallsend, is "very mischievous and sassy", has an infectious laugh, loves to dance and take selfies and "gives the best cuddles", her parents said

Five-year-old Ava from Gateshead is "full of mischief" and "loves nothing more than singing along to her favourite songs", her family told Ms Todd

Two-and-a-half-year-old Lucy from Newcastle uses baby sign language to communicate and "draws people in with her smile and her infectious laugh", her "very proud" parents said

Brody, three and from Gateshead, loves music and dancing and has a smile that "lights up any room", his parents said

Three-year-old William from Ponteland loves exploring, jumping in puddles and dancing, especially to the EastEnders theme tune, while his favourite book (with which he is pictured) is Charlie Mackesy's The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

Eva, four and from Ponteland, who loves playing with dolls, dancing and eating chocolate, is "so caring" with the "best giggle" but also "absolutely knows her own mind and can be full of sass and stubbornness", her parents said