Married at First Sight star Susie Bradley has spoken out about Down Syndrome in a moving post on her Instagram account.
WATCH: MAFS’ Susie Bradley forces boyfriend Todd Carney to get botox
The 26-year-old mum-of-one is aiming to raise awareness of the genetic condition – which is something her friend’s little boy was diagnosed with before he was born.
“When we found out Ollie had [Down Syndrome] DS, it was something none of us knew anything about,” she posted.
The reality-TV star admitted that she didn’t know what to expect before Ollie was born.
“I will be the first to admit – I was scared for my friend @amberxxlouise and I was scared for the little baby that was on its way,” Susie said.
“I didn’t know what life for a little person with DS would be like or the life of his parents or the rest of his family for that matter, and I was worried…”
And there are some life lessons she’s learned since knowing a Down Syndrome child.
“4 years on and it makes me sad to think that was once the way I thought. This is what Ollie has taught me… We are ALL the same,” she shared.
“Some of us just need a little extra help, and that’s A-OK! It is actually an honour to watch this little man grow, his personality shine as he ages.
“Not everyone is as lucky as me to have someone so special in their lives and for that, I am thankful. He doesn’t yet talk to us with words, but he will, instead he communicates through love. He has the ability to spread light even on the darkest days; his laugh is medicine for the heart,” she shared.
She said that having Ollie in her life has “opened her eyes as to how unique and special” everyone is, as she asked fans to remember her post when they encounter someone who has DS.
“Until somebody with DS enters our lives, it can be hard to comprehend this, but sometimes it takes someone as special as Ollie to really open our eyes as to how unique and special we all are, in our very own ways.
“I ask next time you see someone with DS you remember back to this post and remember the only disability in life is a bad attitude and what makes us any different to someone with DS or them worthy of any less love or respect?… Absolutely nothing ✨✌🏼”
Susie, who has found love with NRL played Todd Carney since leaving MAFS, is mum to a daughter named Baby.
She’s spoken out about Downs Syndrome in the past, and marked World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 with a sweet post which also featured Ollie.
