New Book Celebrates the Legacy of Local Groundbreaking Hospital on World Down's Syndrome Day

15/03/2007

A new book charting the remarkable history of a unique hospital for learning disabled people will be launched on Wednesday 21st March.  TALES OF NORMANSFIELD, which  explores the story of one of Teddington’s most intriguing buildings, will be launched to coincide with World Down’s Syndrome Day 2007, in recognition of the hospital’s contribution to significant breakthroughs surrounding the condition.  The launch will take place at the site of the old hospital itself, now the Langdon Down Centre, head office of the Down’s Syndrome Association..

London-based author Andy Merriman, father of 15-year-old Sarah who has Down’s syndrome, will be narrating a presentation based on extracts from the book. The extracts will be dramatised by the London Down 2 Earth group, a group of young adults with Down’s syndrome who meet in Teddington once a month.

Normansfield hospital was founded by the pioneering Dr John Langdon Down in 1868.  His groundbreaking use of educative ideas, drama and music therapy is a story of enlightenment, dedication and vision.  The book also explores the killing of the Langdon Down’s son, Everleigh, by brother Reginald and the ghost who still haunts the corridors of the ex-hospital…

The aim of World Down’s Syndrome Day is to continue to create awareness of the condition, and to celebrate diversity. The day will also feature presentations from the Shout Project – a group of young adults with Down’s syndrome from Northern Ireland, the Director of Down’s Syndrome Nigeria and the Director of Down’s Syndrome Iraq.

To purchase a copy of TALES OF NORMANSFIELD for £9.99 plus p&p please call the Down’s Syndrome Association on .

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Jessica ffield, Communications Officer
Tel: or
E-mail:

Xanthe Breen, Fundraising PR Officer
Tel:
E-mail:

Notes to Editors

Interviews with Andy Merriman are available on request.

Copies of the book to review are available on request.

All press are welcome to attend the Down’s Syndrome World Day celebrations, please contact the DSA for further details.

The DSA is a national charity which provides information and support for people with Down’s syndrome, their families, carers and interested professionals. It also seeks to improve knowledge and understanding and champion the rights of people with the condition