This is the story of Charlie and Milo McConnel, fraternal twins with Down Syndrome, who at only 4 years of age are already inspiring many… Their mum, Julie McConnel set up Instagram and Facebook accounts on social media to show other prospective parents what living with Down Syndrome twins is really like. She wanted to raise awareness of Down Syndrome and also show how capable DS children can be when they are given the right opportunities. They have already realised that Charlie is more of an athlete, whereas Milo is more academic.

It’s a very normal process to go, but when you come out the other side, you realize, I wouldn’t imagine my life any other way. I’m so thankful for my life the way that it is, with all the joy to be found, and the stress, just like with any child.”

This is what Julie told the papers: “I just wanted this to be a platform and more of a way to share, ‘This is our life; and this is what it’s really like to grow up and have twins in your home with Down syndrome. Because that’s what I wanted to know when I got the diagnosis — what is this life really, really, really like? I don’t just want to see rainbows and butterflies and miracles every day.” Julie and her husband Dan also have four older children, but they consider Charlie and Milo to be their true lottery win with their infectious smiles and boundless energy and determination.

Through the internet she was able to connect with another family in Scotland, who also have fraternal twins with Down Syndrome of a similar age. They learned that one in fourteen million have fraternal twins with Down Syndrome, which made them even more convinced that Charlie and Milo are a special gift to their family. They have nicknamed them Chuckles and Meatloaf given their cheekiness and healthy appetite. Milo despite having had to spend time in the neonatal unit and undergo an operation on his small intestines soon caught up with Charlie and they have reached the same milestones in terms of physical ability and sign language.

Social media has really helped Julie live with this diagnosis in a positive way and now she is determined to build a community and create a platform to exchange stories and inspire others. She states: “It’s a really common story. We all wish we could go back and tell ourselves when we were pregnant that it’s going to be okay and not to worry and waste time being so sad and afraid. It’s a very normal process to go through, but when you come out the other side, you realize, I wouldn’t imagine my life any other way. I’m so thankful for my life the way that it is, with all the joy to be found, and the stress, just like with any child.”