BIOGRAPHY
Nino was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at 6 months old, it was a shock as there were no reasons to think he had an extra chromosome. It presented in blood tests he was having due to severe reflux & constipation issues.On delivering the diagnosis the consultant paediatrician said "He will never get a normal job", this made me determined to give him every opportunity in his life to follow his dreams, have choices & live the best life he could where he was safe, happy & given a purpose...just like everyone else in society.He attended a private nursery with some support, a mainstream Primary School with 1:1 support until at 8 years he began at a specialist setting, unfortunately he was exposed to bullying and moved onto another specialist placement. His new school gave me back my beautiful, confident & happy son. He spent 4 amazing years at school, made life long friendships then moved on to a life skills course at mainstream college. He had a really positive 3 years at college & graduated in the lockdown of 2020.As Covid19 regulations ease he has begun attending a variety of placements that engage & develop his skills further during the week.He gained a baby sister Lia when he was 5 years old which was a true blessing, they grew together, he cared for her until she became his big, little sister & then became his teacher, best friend & champion. They have the most beautiful relationship & are still best friends.He also has a gorgeous girlfriend called Olivia, they have been together for over 6 years and truly represent true love.He has have had lots of challenges over the years but nothing has stopped his determination to reach his potential & give a 100% to everything he does.He is humble, adaptable, sociable, funny, hard working, can follow instructions well, he is kind, empathetic & a real team player.At present my son, who would "never get a normal job" is an Assistant Football Coach with Bristol City Robins Foundation, he has been an Assistant Rugby Coach for over 6 Years with Bristol Bears Community Foundation, a competing Special Olympic Swimmer with The Bristol Sharks (butterfly is his favourite stroke), A Trainee Baker at Step & Stone Bristol, a cafe assistant and of course a Model with Zebedee Talent.Medically Nino have epilepsy, low immunity, hypotonia, GORD,(gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) dysphagia (compromised swallow) hay fever, asthma, bowel impaction, hearing loss, (left ear has hearing aid) allergies to strawberries & silicone. His right elbow is built from plates, screws & pins from an accident in 2012, he has around 80% use of the arm.All medical issues are controlled with mediation & positive lifestyle choices.Nino is totally focused on his health & fitness. He eats an excellent diet & knows what his body needs to function well & support any medical issues he has. He is dedicated to a range of sports that keep his body & his mind healthy & functioning at its best.He weight lifts 2-4 times a week with his PT, swims, plays football, plays rugby, follows a cardio training programme, attends the gym 2-4 times a week & follows a specific muscle group training programme with his PT. He also attends a fitness session weekly.Nino is also an Ambassador for the Charity Wouldn't Change A Thing, who endeavour daily to dispel outdated ideas/beliefs around Down syndrome, raise awareness & promote positive attitudes towards those with Down syndrome. As Nino's mum, my pride in Nino's achievements couldn't be any bigger. He is an inspiration to others with or without any disability, he lives his life with purpose, with fulfilment, reaching goals then creating more to follow. He is my Hero & my teacher.The days that throw up challenges for us merely strengthen our resilience & drive to overcome them the best way we can & we have learned together to accept that if we can't, well it wasn't meant to be. As Nino says "Me love my Life" & this sums him up perfectly....
Nino G
- HEIGHT: 165 cm/5' 5''
- SHOE SIZE: 38.5EU/6½US/6UK
- HAIR: Dark brown
- EYES: Brown
- DIS/DIFF: Down's Syndrome
READ BIO
- HEIGHT: 165 cm/5' 5''
- SHOE SIZE: 38.5EU/6½US/6UK
- HAIR: Dark brown
- EYES: Brown
- DIS/DIFF: Down's Syndrome
BIOGRAPHY
Nino was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at 6 months old, it was a shock as there were no reasons to think he had an extra chromosome. It presented in blood tests he was having due to severe reflux & constipation issues.On delivering the diagnosis the consultant paediatrician said "He will never get a normal job", this made me determined to give him every opportunity in his life to follow his dreams, have choices & live the best life he could where he was safe, happy & given a purpose...just like everyone else in society.He attended a private nursery with some support, a mainstream Primary School with 1:1 support until at 8 years he began at a specialist setting, unfortunately he was exposed to bullying and moved onto another specialist placement. His new school gave me back my beautiful, confident & happy son. He spent 4 amazing years at school, made life long friendships then moved on to a life skills course at mainstream college. He had a really positive 3 years at college & graduated in the lockdown of 2020.As Covid19 regulations ease he has begun attending a variety of placements that engage & develop his skills further during the week.He gained a baby sister Lia when he was 5 years old which was a true blessing, they grew together, he cared for her until she became his big, little sister & then became his teacher, best friend & champion. They have the most beautiful relationship & are still best friends.He also has a gorgeous girlfriend called Olivia, they have been together for over 6 years and truly represent true love.He has have had lots of challenges over the years but nothing has stopped his determination to reach his potential & give a 100% to everything he does.He is humble, adaptable, sociable, funny, hard working, can follow instructions well, he is kind, empathetic & a real team player.At present my son, who would "never get a normal job" is an Assistant Football Coach with Bristol City Robins Foundation, he has been an Assistant Rugby Coach for over 6 Years with Bristol Bears Community Foundation, a competing Special Olympic Swimmer with The Bristol Sharks (butterfly is his favourite stroke), A Trainee Baker at Step & Stone Bristol, a cafe assistant and of course a Model with Zebedee Talent.Medically Nino have epilepsy, low immunity, hypotonia, GORD,(gastro-oesophageal reflux disease) dysphagia (compromised swallow) hay fever, asthma, bowel impaction, hearing loss, (left ear has hearing aid) allergies to strawberries & silicone. His right elbow is built from plates, screws & pins from an accident in 2012, he has around 80% use of the arm.All medical issues are controlled with mediation & positive lifestyle choices.Nino is totally focused on his health & fitness. He eats an excellent diet & knows what his body needs to function well & support any medical issues he has. He is dedicated to a range of sports that keep his body & his mind healthy & functioning at its best.He weight lifts 2-4 times a week with his PT, swims, plays football, plays rugby, follows a cardio training programme, attends the gym 2-4 times a week & follows a specific muscle group training programme with his PT. He also attends a fitness session weekly.Nino is also an Ambassador for the Charity Wouldn't Change A Thing, who endeavour daily to dispel outdated ideas/beliefs around Down syndrome, raise awareness & promote positive attitudes towards those with Down syndrome. As Nino's mum, my pride in Nino's achievements couldn't be any bigger. He is an inspiration to others with or without any disability, he lives his life with purpose, with fulfilment, reaching goals then creating more to follow. He is my Hero & my teacher.The days that throw up challenges for us merely strengthen our resilience & drive to overcome them the best way we can & we have learned together to accept that if we can't, well it wasn't meant to be. As Nino says "Me love my Life" & this sums him up perfectly....