BLOGGER mum Siobhan Tully, whose internet journal has helped fellow parents through the struggle of having a child with Down’s Syndrome, is the latest Birmingham Mail Local Hero.

For some people who have a child with a disability it can feel like you’re the only one out there.

That’s why Siobhan came up with her blog to share her experience of raising her son Noah, who is nearly three, and who was diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome when he was born.

Siobhan, 30, from Hall Green, said: “I thought it would be helpful for other parents to read about what we’re going through to encourage them if they do have a child born with Down’s Syndrome.

“I wanted people to share my experiences because I wanted them to know that a child with Down’s Syndrome is still a child, a real person.

“When I look at Noah now he’s doing all the things that normal children of his age do. He’s climbing, playing with cars, just like other children, in fact it’s hard to keep up with him.

“I think people need to read about this to know that it’s not all doom and gloom.”

As well as writing her blog, Siobhan is also a trustee for the Solihull Down Syndrome Group which offers support to parents of children with the illness.

“It was something that I went along to just after Noah was born and it was very informal but also very helpful,” she said.

“We’re a charity so we can help to provide treatment that isn’t always freely or regularly available on the NHS such as speech or language therapy.”

Since being a trustee of the group Siobhan has helped other people to cope with their situation.

“I was introduced to an Asian mother who had several other children, but this was her first child that had Down Syndrome and it was good to be able to support her,” she said.

“Due to the nature of her community, Down’s Syndrome wasn’t something that was talked about, particularly by the men, so it was nice for her to have someone to chat to about it.”

Siobhan’s blog is currently on a temporary hiatus as she is pregnant with her second child, but she has vowed to continue it after the birth.

She is modest about her achievements but said she was pleased to get the award.

“I’m just a normal mum really that happens to have a child with Down’s Syndrome, I don’t really consider myself anything special,” she said.

Jo Blythin, marketing manager of the Pallasades Shopping Centre, which backs the Local Heroes campaign, said: “The work that Siobhan is doing is an excellent example of how we can turn our own adversities into good for others.

“She has enabled parents to feel like they are not alone and I’m sure that everyone she has helped would like to say a big thank-you.”

This month saw the Pallasades launch a Bra Bank as a charity collection campaign to raise much needed funds for local charity, SPOCC (Society of Parents of Children with Cancer).

Bras will be weighed and money per kilo will be donated to SPOCC. The bras will then be exported to third world countries where the price of a bra is often more than a meal for a whole family.

The bank will be situated by Customer Care.

To visit the blog, go to www.noahsmile.blogspot.com