WHEN Cheryl Jenkinson discovered her unborn child had Down's Syndrome there was no decision to make.

When indications during her 20-week scan showed that her baby may have the condition, which typically causes some level of learning disability and characteristic physical features, Cheryl and her husband Richard opted for the non-invasive test which reduces the risk of miscarriage recently highlighted in national news.

The couple, from Clayton, paid privately for the test, which according to recent reports could be made available on the NHS, but Cheryl says their decision to carry on with the pregnancy whatever the outcome had already been made.

"We went for the test, not to make any decision because we were always going through with the pregnancy but we wanted to prepare ourselves if it came back positive which it did," says Cheryl.

Recalling the diagnosis, she says: "We were pretty shocked and very scared which is why we went for the private test, to put our minds at rest. We knew what we would be dealing with and could prepare ourselves accordingly."

She says they also considered the impact having a child with Down's Syndrome could have on their daughters, who are 11 and eight-years-old.

Following Alexander's arrival a year ago, they have had nothing to worry about. "They are absolutely besotted, they love him to bits," says Cheryl.

She was monitored closely throughout her pregnancy and when Alexander arrived, two weeks early, there were no health issues. He does have a slight hole in his heart but it is thought it may rectify itself by the time he is six.

Cheryl says her son is slightly slower in his development, compared to her daughters, but says every child is different anyway, regardless of whether they have health issues.

"He is doing really well," says Cheryl.

Sharing her own positive experience, Cheryl hopes it will help to better inform families in future and she also hopes that if the private test is made available through the NHS, greater awareness is made about the condition which affects around 775 babies each year in England and Wales.

"I think there needs to be a lot more awareness around Down's Syndrome which is what we are doing as a charity," says Cheryl, 38, referring to her involvement with Bingley-based Down's Syndrome Training and Support Ltd.

Set up in 2000 by founder, Dr Wendy Uttley, whose son, Sam, has Down's Syndrome, the organisation provides information and advice to other families and also offers training and support.

Cheryl was introduced to the charity after receiving one of their information packs and has been involved ever since.

She, like many parents involved with the organisation, are eager to promote the positive aspects of Down's Syndrome.

Working in the charity sector for 15 years - she was a church youth worker and helped to set up Street Angels in Bradford, a group of volunteers who help keep weekend revellers safe on the city's streets - Cheryl is used to helping people.

"It's just the way I have always been, it's what I enjoy doing," she says.

Cheryl says being involved with Down Syndrome Training and Support enables her to support her son and also other families.

The charity recently held its first major fundraising event - A Night at the Races at the Great Victoria Hotel in Bradford. Supported and attended by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Joanne Dodds, as well as other councillors and teachers, the aim of the event was to raise the charity's profile.

"It was an event to raise money because we don't get any Government funding; we rely on donations and grants, but it was also to raise awareness as well," says Cheryl, who adds that the family have learned a lot since having their son.

"He has changed our lives so much," she says. "He has taught us so much more than we are teaching him at the moment. He has only just turned one but, it is hard to describe, he engages people, he loves people and it has made us realise what the really important things in life are - family and friends."

* For more information about the Down's Syndrome Training and Support Ltd call (01274) 561308, email office@downsyndromebradford.co.uk or visit downsupportbradford.btck.co.uk