Jonas was born unexpectedly at home at 37 weeks, with his dad assisting with the birth before paramedics arrived. His parents had been told just 5 weeks prior that Jonas had a high chance of having Down Syndrome and shortly after birth, this diagnosis was confirmed. For three months after he was born, Jonas relied on permanent oxygen to be able to breathe and continues to struggle with breathing issues when he is ill.
“Jonas has always had delays with his mobility and development due to his diagnosis. He has required hospitalisation several times when he gets poorly with countless viruses and chest infections over the last 3 years. This has meant further delays in development as he regresses when he is poorly.” – Jonas’ Mum, Kate
Down Syndrome is a condition caused by an extra chromosome, which happens by chance. Around 750 children in the UK are born with the condition each year meaning it is one of the most common chromosomal abnormalities diagnosed. Due to Jonas’ condition, he has a considerable delay in many learning areas including motor skills, cognitive ability, and communication skills.
Jonas’ parents heard about the charity through a friend whose daughter also attends our services. Jonas came in for an assessment in August 2025 when he was 2 and a half years old. He was immediately curious about everything that was happening, exploring the room and everything around him. He was only able to stand for a few seconds without support but was reluctant to do so and relied on bottom shuffling to get around.
Shortly after the assessment, Jonas started attending weekly conductive education/ physiotherapy sessions, and swimming sessions with us. In the nine months that he has been with us, Jonas has learned to crawl, made significant progress with his stability while sitting, and is able to pull himself up to standing, recently taking some independent steps!
“He was standing more and more unaided and started taking a few independent steps after 5 months of coming to our sessions.” – Jonas’ session lead, Beata
Jonas has settled well into his sessions here, and is a wonderful, active participant during activities. He loves coming to the centre and is a generally cheerful, brave boy, who really tries his best with everything that comes his way!
With the help of the wonderful team, Jonas is constantly building his strength, stability and motor skills as well as social skills and independence.
Read More Stories:
The charity provided us with hope, structure, and a community when we needed it most.
After being unable to leave hospital for 8 months, Alissa was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Noonan syndrome. She has made huge progress at DVLCC.
Alissa, 2 years old
From the very beginning, the charity’s positive approach, focusing on what a child can do rather than what they can’t, has allowed Matilda to thrive in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Matilda was diagnosed with PVL which led to her developing cerebral palsy. Since coming to DVLCC she has grown in both confidence and ability.
Matilda, 3 years old
All the consultants in the neonatal unit said repeatedly, ‘early intervention is key’ which is why we feel so strongly that all children like Jothi need access to support like we have with Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity.
Born by emergency c-section at 32 weeks, Jothi spent his first 24 hours on a ventilator and the first 93 days of his life in the neonatal intensive care unit. His personal growth since coming to DVLCC is remarkable.
Jothi, 5 years old
I don’t think there’s another service that compares. We feel so lucky to be able to access it. You can tell that the staff really want to help and want Elsie to do well. It’s just so nice to have another cheerleader.
Born at 23 weeks and 5 days, Elsie’s prematurity meant that her development was considerably delayed. With so many unknowns, Elsie’s parents weren’t sure what her future would look like until they came to DVLCC.
Elsie, 3 years old
