A FYLDE mum is hoping to spread an international message of hope as dozens of families affected by a rare form of Down's Syndrome meet in Blackpool this weekend.

Judy Green, 47, of Sandhills Avenue, South Shore, has invited people from as far away as Canada and the US to travel to the resort for the Mosaic Down Syndrome UK (MDS:UK) conference being held at Blackpool's Big Blue Hotel on tomorrow (Friday, October 31).

The conference is the first of its kind for the MDS:UK organisation which Judy started in her living room in February as a way of making friends for her 11-year-old daughter Katie, who suffers from the Mosaic condition.

Despite an increasing public awareness of Down's in recent years, very little is known about its milder form -- Mosaic Down Syndrome (MDS). Often those with the MDS condition are able to lead normal lives with only a background support network.

Many MDS sufferers go on to attend mainstream school, college or university, have jobs and -- in some cases -- get married.

Mum-of-three Judy and husband, Bill, 50, have spent the last 11 years fighting to raise awareness of MDS and build a support network for families in a similar situation.

They were recently rewarded with national recognition by the Down's Syndrome Association and are helping groups in other countries to achieve the same.

Judy said: "Sometimes even I'm surprised at the way the organisation has spread itself in such a short space of time.

"We're getting more and more new members all the time and we've now got people as far away as Canada and the US.

"But I didn't start out to do anything out of the ordinary.

"As far as I'm concerned I'm nothing more important than Katie's mum.

"All I ever wanted to do was meet other people in our situation and reach out the hand of friendship and support to those who have no idea which way to turn.

"It's worth all the hard work just to see so many wonderful and unique children getting together, having fun and proving they have more to offer than people have given them credit for.

"I now know of Mosaic's kids who have gone on to take university degrees, write books and even get married.

"It's so inspirational to talk to them and learn about their lives and the way they tackle the stereotypes faced by Down's sufferers. There is so much that Katie can do when she's older.

"Everyday I'm thankful for having her with me and I honestly wouldn't change a single thing about her."

For more information about MDS:UK contact Judy on 01253 313124.