Down's syndrome: 'I love being different, because I love being me'

'I love being different, because I love being me' Two sisters, one of whom has Down's syndrome, are sharing their challenges and joys of their life together via a second podcast series.

Lucy Haggie, 29, and Sarah Hogan, 31, from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, will interview each other in the series called Down's Wisdom.

"I love being different, because I love being me and I'm so glad I've got Down's syndrome," said Ms Haggie.

After the success of their first series, they are now recording a second which will explore what it is like to find employment, among other topics.

People with Down's syndrome are born with an extra chromosome, usually by chance due to a change in the sperm or egg before birth. There are estimated to be around 47,000 people with the condition in the UK.

According to the Down's Syndrome Association , people who have the genetic condition will have some level of learning disability and will have a range of abilities.

The first series, which people can listen to on Spotify, aired between 2020 to 2021 and gave the sisters a chance to question each other about their lives and what made them happy.

"Having that more focused time has just made me really see her [Lucy] as she really is," said Ms Hogan.

Since the first podcast, Ms Haggie has been working and travelling.

"In Blackpool, I went nightclubbing and we did some karaoke, that's really fun," she said.

She also has her own "exciting" plans for the future.

"I was trying to tell mum and dad that I would like to do my own independent living," she said.

"And I want to go to the Caribbean," added Ms Haggie.

"Everybody's reacted really well to it [the podcast] and I think for a lot of people it's been about seeing that it's OK and there's nothing scary about Down's syndrome," said Ms Hogan.

"It has been really special hearing about Lucy's experiences.

"To us they're just normal, but I've loved actually taking that time to hear about what it's been like for her growing up and what it's like for her now," Ms Hogan added.

"It's been amazing, I like being famous. I liked it when Sarah interviewed me about all the things that I like, the job I enjoy and the different schools I've been to, and she's being honest about me.

"It's really nice to hear people saying they like seeing people with special needs, and want to get to know what it's like," Ms Haggie added.

The sisters also interviewed their parents and older siblings to get their perspective on family life.

"We were really encouraged by people to share that, and that's partly why we did the first podcast.

"But also for people to appreciate how life can be really difficult, even when it doesn't look like it is.

"It's just solidified for me how resilient and how courageous Lucy is.

"I think I've also learned that we both cry at lots of things - there were plenty of tears on the podcast," Ms Hogan added.

The challenges of having Down's syndrome, such as finding a job and what it is like to be working, are to be explored in a second series.

Animals are also likely to play a large part as Ms Hogan now has a dog.

"I'm so blessed that Lucy is my sister, but she's genuinely one of my best friends as well," added Ms Hogan.