Colchester girl with Down Syndrome is an inspiration

Prior to her birth, inspiring Poppy Marshall-Nichols, 3, was given a 1 in 52 chance of having Down Syndrome - a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome.

Mum Danielle Leech, 39, admits to initially being “naïve” about the condition but now understands it is "not always connected to the parents” and is not an illness, as people “do not suffer from it”.

“Before I had Poppy, like others, I didn't think they could get far in life, but Poppy is a blessing and has taught me so much about difference," she said.

Fun - Poppy Marshall-Nichols, 3, wearing odd socks which are the colours for Down Syndrome awareness (Image: Submitted)

“Poppy is now three and thriving, she can walk but is a little behind with talking. She attends a mainstream playschool and has a 1-to-1 person.

“My aim is to accept people with disabilities and to not treat them any differently. They love, think, act just like any 'typical' person it may just take them a bit longer to achieve their milestones.”

Sisters - Ashleigh, 12, Poppy, 3, and Ellie, 19 (Image: Submitted)

According to Danielle, Poppy never lets her condition stop her from doing what she loves - including walking everywhere, watching Cocomelon, a 3D animated nursery song programme, and reading Encanto, a book adaptation of Disney’s animated film.

Since Poppy's birth, Danielle has also become a source of support and advice for new mums who give birth to babies with Down Syndrome. 

Last year, for example, a friend went to her for guidance after her child was born with with the genetic disorder.

Danielle said: “Treat your child the same as any other child and they with thrive in life.

“The hard work you put in, you certainly receive it back."

Family - Dad Phillip Marshall-Nichols, Poppy Marshall-Nichols, and mum Danielle Leech (Image: Submitted)

To mark World Down Syndrome Day, Danielle and dad Phillip Marshall-Nichols, who live in Layer Marney, dressed up in t-shirts and wore odd and brightly coloured socks.

Staff and children at ​Poppy’s preschool, Milddene, in Tiptree, also “rocked the odd socks” to mark the national day.

Aunties - Mildene preschool in Tiptree call their staff which look after Poppy 'Aunties' (Image: Submitted)

Dad Phillip, 39, even dressed up in odd socks along with his colleagues from Travis Perkins, a home improvement retailer, in Maldon.

Solidarity - Phillip Marshall-Nichols (centre) and his workplace at Travis Perkins wearing bright or odd socks to raise awareness (Image: Submitted)

Mum Danielle added: “Poppy proved everyone wrong with her strong determination and mindset.

“People with Down Syndrome can lead a life exactly like everyone else and this is why I’m trying to spread awareness.”