Mencap welcomes new Marks and Spencer Christmas ad

Monday 05 November 2012

Marks and Spencer will feature a child with Down’s syndrome in its TV ad campaign.

This Christmas will see a first in the advertising world in Britain. A leading retailer will feature a child with Down’s syndrome in its TV ad campaign.  From Wednesday on screens across Britain 4 year old Seb White will be seen promoting the store’s clothing range, and literally jumping for joy. 

Mencap, the leading voice for people with learning disabilities and their families, welcomes Seb’s inclusion because he is there, like all the other children in the campaign, to sell clothing that he looks great in.

Emma Harrison, Mencap spokesperson said:

“We are absolutely delighted.  Seb is a charming and very appealing little boy, and his mother Caroline has fought hard to ensure that he has the same opportunities as lots of other children, to show what he can do and gain confidence.

The fact that he has Down’s Syndrome and will be seen by millions of people TV and in posters in stores will help us challenge some of the misunderstanding and prejudices that can make life difficult for so many children.”

Claire who works for Mencap and is mother of Jade, aged 6 and Emma, 10, who has Down's Syndrome, said:

"It is so good to see all children included on the TV and in posters, not as part of an awareness campaign, or a fundraising appeal, but simply because they are part of our community and have so much to offer. He’s one of the crowd, just as he is another face in the classroom, at the swimming pool or the cinema."