Tamzin Hope Limited

e show and that in her words “I think you will be a Daddy again today” I asked her if she wanted me to come home, “No” she replied,” I am round Mum’s at the moment and will let you know if and when I think you should come home” I put down the phone and a wave of excitement came over me, was this really the day I would be meeting my little daughter. At 12.30 my mobile rang, it was Ali “can you go home and collect my Hospital bag and meet me at Mums” this was it, the time had come to get in my car and prepare to go to Hospital. I collected the bag from home and drove to Ali’s mums in town where I found Ali pacing the kitchen with her mum staring at a clock timing the contractions. As the contractions were now getting closer and closer we decided to call the hospital and inform them of our impending arrival, I took Ali’s hand and we made our way outside to the car and to the hospital. She was beautiful and I could not wait to phone my family to tell them the good news. Ali was tired and in need of a bath so the Midwife escorted her to the Bathroom while I excitedly phoned Ali’s mum and then my Parents . After a long conversation with my dad I made my way to the Bathroom to find Ali sitting with the Midwife, there was a strange atmosphere in the room and Ali looked at me and started to cry. “What’s wrong” I asked as I leaned forward to hold her “I have asked for a paediatrician to come and take a look at your baby” said the Midwife “why” I asked “what is wrong with her” I looked at Tamzin in her little cot and she looked gorgeous “well I can’t be 100% sure but she looks a bit Downsie” she said.I remember the sick feeling in my stomach as she said that word, how can it be, she is gorgeous and surely if she did have Down’s syndrome this would have been picked up during the pregnancy I thought to myself. I cradled Ali in my arms and we sat looking at Tamzin and though I would not admit it to myself then, I could see why the Midwife had concerns. After what seemed to be forever there was a knock on the door and in came the paediatrician, she took Tamzin’s hand, looked at her palm then nodded to the midwife, confirmation indeed that Tamzin was born with Down’s syndrome. They took her away to the Special Care Baby Unit as they had other concerns which thankfully proved unfounded and led us to a Private room where we both sat on the bed in silence. It dawned on me that I had better call my parents and Ali’s mum to break the news to them though in the case of Ali’s mum it was too late as she was already at the Hospital. I dialled my parents number and my dad answered, “Dad” the tears began to well up inside as they are now as I write this, “Tamzin has Down’s syndrome” there was a silence……… “I am so sorry” he said, we were trying to hold a conversation but the tears were flowing from both sides and it became harder and harder so I ended the call “Dad I will call you later, I love you” I said as I rang off and returned to Ali who was sitting on the edge of the bed in a daze and still trying to take it all in. I sat with her and it suddenly hit me what my Dad had said “I am so sorry” why was he saying he was sorry, there was nothing to be sorry about as we had the daughter we always wanted……….from that moment I knew I had accepted Tamzin’s condition and whilst it took Ali a little longer to come to terms with it we both knew that no matter what the future would hold for her we would do whatever it took to make life perfect for our “Special Girl”

Employment opportunities for people with Down's syndrome are limited mainly due to a lack of awareness of the condition and whilst most people with Down's syndrome will find work there are many employers who will not offer these poeple a chance or who will exploit them and use them for mundane chores with very little pay. We want more than this for Tamzin, we want her to have the best possible start in life hence the formation of Tamzin Hope Limited. We are currently developing this page where you will be able to purchase a diverse range of clothing and products that Tamzin herself has shown interest in. Tamzin will grow up around the business and it is our hope and aim that when the time is right Tamzin will take control of the Business albeit with our assistance and be able to lead a very rewarding, fulfilled and independant life.