nothing to do with IVA, but i want ur input

[james.c]

Hello All

As most of you know, i have two beautifull girls (twins), no thanks to our local hospital-NHS, at 22 weeks of my partner been pregant, they thought our babies would have down syndrome and tried to lead us down th route of an abortion, luckily i pushed, and i mean pushed for a second opnion from another hosptial, they confirmed the risk of down syndorme was to a minimum, so luckily we did not have to decide what to do, if we had to this day we still do not know what we would have done.

I have argued with the NHS for 12 months about how we was treated and how we were treated and got no were, i have only pursed it with the NHS to ensure future parents are not treated the same, but the NHS will not admit fault or apologise, i can now sue them but it will take years and if i did sue them all money would be given to charity, becuase i want the nhs to make a change but it could take years and years.

I now think instead of trying to sort it out with the nhs, but to put my effort in to helping families with down syndrome. Having children with down syndrome is just as joyfull as any babies/children, but families need more support.

I now want to put my efforts in to help families with down syndrome, by raising money for them for help, i think this will help more than trying to tackle such a big orginanistion such as the NHS.

The big question is, as any body got any ideas, how i can do this?

[Viki.W]

Wow James, what a wonderful thing to do. So sorry you both had to go through all that and glad that your beautiful girls are ok. I've no idea but maybe someone else will. Have you googled to see if there are any societys that can help? X

[Julie]

Its frightening when you think of what could have been.

I admire you for you trying to help others James.

Are you thinking of setting up your own charity or helping an existing one? As Viki says if you google, there must be some societies/charities who would love another helping hand.

Gorgeous girls by the way, when are we going to see the updated pic?

xx

[MelanieGiles]

James

The very same thing happened to one of my best friends who had tried for ages to have a baby and was devastated when she eventually got the good news. At her scan, she and her hubbie were told that they were high risk and would need further tests - which they paid for privately and were fortunately clear. It was such a worrying time.

Your idea is absolutely fabulous, and I am sure that you will get a lot of suggestions from your friends on the forum. The Downs Syndrome Association is a registered charity, and I am sure that if you contacted them as a volunteer fundraiser they would welcome you with open arms.

I suggest that IVA.co.uk nominates a charity monthly, to which all of the professional experts (not people in IVAs, DMPs or bankruptcies for obvious reasons) on the forum pay an agreed amount to - say £10.

You might find that you have let yourself in for something here!

[Lisa2009]

James thats a brilliant idea. I really wouldnt know where to start setting up something like that. As others have said, try google and see if you get any ideas from there.

Children with downs syndrome are so beautiful and loving (mum used to work with them) They have the kindest nature.

I think what you are trying to do is fabulous and im sure we will all support you in any way we can xxxx

[Lisa2009]

Melanie your idea also is brilliant and i know im not a professional expert but i would be more than happy to contribute too xx

[Julie]

Great idea Melanie, that way different charites will benefit, especially with the amount of experts on the forum increasing.

When we are debt free I would like to contribute to the Forum Charity.

[james.c]

I have just spoke with a friend, and he had a brilliant idea.

Dont want to set up my own charity, but raise money to give to a down syndrome charity.

The idea, is that ten years ago i use to do a lot of long distance walking, and to be honest without been big headed was very good, but not done anything for 10 years, but on weight, not as fit as what i used to be.

So i am going to go for the three peaks walk in 24 hours, it starts when i start to climb bennevis, up and down then a friend will drive me to scarfell in the lake district and the snowdon and to comlplete it i must finish snowdon in less then 24 hours from starting ben nevis

[MelanieGiles]

Sorry Mrs S - I already class you as a professional expert!!

I just wanted to put some distinction between those of us not in debt, and those who are who cannot afford to pay just now - but who definately need some say in where the money goes.

We could conduct a poll every month to see where the charity money should go. Admin are probably going to kill me for suggesting this - but I will help with collecting the money if they say we can do it.

[Lisa2009]

[:I] Wow, thanks Mel xxx

Im sure everybody on the forum have certain charities close to their hearts. I know i do.

It would be yet another reason why this forum is so brilliant.

[MelanieGiles]

And wouldn't it be nice to choose some smaller, perhaps more local charities, which are dear to forum members hearts and where the money would probably go to much better use.

[Lisa2009]

Actually Mel, i have been wondering for quite some time now if there is any kind of course i can do to be a debt advisor.

I dont want to do it as a job and i am more than happy not to be paid. I would love to do it purely for the benefit of this forum.
It has become such a big part of my life now and i really would like to give more than i am able to at the moment as im not experienced enough.

Any suggestions??

[Viki.W]

That's a fantastic idea Melanie. What a lovely suggestion.

[Lisa2009]

Any ideas?

[Viki.W]

Hey Mrs Skint, I know the CAB do training sessions for volunteers and go_4_broke mentioned some training that he had done, I think for the child poverty action group. Maybe the experts will know more than me. X