Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Last week Ellen Freeman spoke about her relationship with her brother Ivan. But Anna Lubelska different childhood memories of her sister with Down's Syndrome prompted her to contact Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Truths.

Janina and Anna

Anna was 3 when Janina was taken away to live in a hospital for people with special needs. Anna thought it was something she'd done, and later on was told that if Janina had stayed at home it would have impeded Anna's own development.

But Anna remembers Janina as having a very sunny and loving personality. She remembers visiting Janina every Sunday in what Anna describes as a grim Dickensian home. Janina was always reluctant to return their after a break. Eventually, Janina was moved from the hospital to a house in the community.

Anna feels that a certain amount of pressure was put on her by her parents to be "the special one" and she's gone through life always feeling guilty about enjoying herself.

Recently Anna met Monica McCaffrey who is setting up a national charity for the so-called 'normal' siblings of people with Down's Syndrome. It was a revelation to Anna to find other people who felt the same way that she did.

If you would like more information on the new charity, Sibs, please contact the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Action Line on 0800 044044.