Donna Donlon
Treasurer

We have two children, Jake and Ruby both with WDS. Jake is a boisterous 7 years old, he has several words and communicates well with Makaton. Ruby is a quite placid 5 year old, she has not started to sign, but looks like she will given time. They both attend a wonderful special school, which has been a huge help. My husband runs his own Carpentry Company, whilst I do some part time work as an accountant. Jake was diagnosed at 3 years 4 months, the WDS group was a wonderful help with so little information available. Ruby was diagnosed at one year.

Hayley Herman
Secretary

My name is Hayley Herman. I am happily married to Marc and we have two children called Rafi, 5, and Ellie, 4, who continue to amaze and delight us.
My role on the WDS support group is that of secretary. I collate, debate, relate, and do all sorts of other office duties. My nephew, Zachary Lauder suffers from this dreadful condition and my sister Monique managed to get me involved with your group. I worked on the London Zoo event and whilst the work was demanding, it made it all the sweeter when I saw all the children's happy faces during the event, making the day the success it was. I look forward to the challenges this role will bring and am honored to be working for such a dedicated support group.

Vanessa Butt
National Contact

I joined the group when Jane Thorpe asked for help to form a national support group seven years ago. I am very happy to still be here and am looking forward to working with the newly elected members of the committee.
We have achieved a great deal over the last seven years and I hope that any family whose child is diagnosed with WDS today, will be able to find information on the syndrome. When Martin was diagnosed, all we were given was an A4 piece on the syndrome and when looking for more, we found nothing.
I thank you for voting for me and over the coming months I will continue to strive to help any new parents who contact the group, to link families together but also try to make more professionals aware of Worster-Drought syndrome.

Monique Lauder
Fund-raising

My name is Monique Lauder, My son Zachary (9) suffers from Worster-Drought Syndrome and now lives at Sunfield, Birmingham on a full time basis. I am thrilled to have been elected onto the Worster-Drought Syndrome Support Group Committee. I am looking forward to the challenges it will bring and am delighted at the thought of being in the thick of things again. As you know the WDS support group offers support to families affected by WDS, raises awareness of WDS and supports and promotes research. We will be following the progress of the research project and will keep you informed of any developments that occur. Thanks again for electing me

Graham Spencer
Committee member

My name is Graham Spencer, I am married to Karen and we have 2 children Olivia aged 4 and Charlie aged 3. Olivia has WDS, which mainly affects her speech.
Up until recently she had no real words only vocalisations backed up by Makaton signing, but we are thrilled that she has started saying Mummy and Daddy.
I am involved with the WDSSG as a committee member to help out in anyway I can and also to gain as much knowledge as possible about WDS for Olivia. For anyone who may wish to contact me, I will always be available to offer support and information, just as we have been helped in the past. I am keen to help with fund-raising and look forward to any new research for the answers and understanding it may bring.

Anita Brown
Committee member

Hi I am Anita Brown, I live in Nailsea, Bristol in the south west, with my three children Chloe (12) Thomas (10) and Megan (5).
Thomas has WDS and was diagnosed with it in 1996 and has come along way since then. I've been involved with the group actives since then, and I felt it was time for me to get more involved and try and help the group as much as I can down in the west country.
Thomas is my big friendly giant, he always has a smile and who ever he meets, just loves him. His speech is the main problem, but he lets you know what he wants and will not give up until he makes you understand him. He goes to a special needs school and he loves it and he has blossomed since going there.

Jacqui Leech
Committee member

I was asked to write an introduction about myself, so here it is. My name is Jacqueline Leech and for my sins I'm married to the groups chairman. I'm mum to Peter 9 1/2, Christopher 5 1/2 and Maria 2. Christopher has WDS, he has a beautiful personality most of the time but then all the behavioural issues kick in and boy is he hard work.
I became involved with the support group because I wanted to help other families as I was helped when Christopher was first diagnosed.

Michael Rumbold
Committee member

See News from the Rumbold family Page 8.