0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- I'm James Lusted.
0:00:02 > 0:00:07- I'm 24 and I have Diastrophic - Displasia, a rare form of dwarfism.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11- I live at home with my parents - and brother Phil.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13- Phil has the same condition as me.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17- I don't allow my disability - to hold me back.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19- In fact, I hate the word disabled.
0:00:19 > 0:00:24- In this series, I'll travel Wales - to meet other disabled people...
0:00:25 > 0:00:28- ..to experience life - through their eyes.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30- Subtitles
0:00:50 > 0:00:55- I'm here to research - various disabilities.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00- In Eco'r Wyddfa newspaper...
0:01:00 > 0:01:03- ..I came - across a girl called Haf Thomas.
0:01:05 > 0:01:10- Over the years, she's raised - a great deal of money for charity.
0:01:11 > 0:01:16- I've researched her condition, - Down's Syndrome.
0:01:16 > 0:01:22- It says here, "Reduced muscle tone - leading to floppiness.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26- "Eyes that slant - upwards and outwards.
0:01:26 > 0:01:31- "750 babies are born with - the condition each year in the UK."
0:01:33 > 0:01:38- I'm looking forward to chatting - to Haf's parents and family.
0:01:38 > 0:01:42- I want to find out - about the support they received...
0:01:43 > 0:01:45- ..when Haf was born.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50- When my brother and I were born...
0:01:51 > 0:01:54- ..no-one knew about our condition.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59- I hope to meet Haf before long.
0:01:59 > 0:02:02- I want to know more about her life.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- My name is Haf Thomas.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14- I live in Llanrug with my family.
0:02:29 > 0:02:35- Every Monday, Haf catches a bus - to work from her home in Llanrug.
0:02:35 > 0:02:37- There's one at 8.10am...
0:02:38 > 0:02:42- ..and another one straight after it.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45- I love going on the bus.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- On the weekend...
0:02:48 > 0:02:52- ..sometimes - I go on the bus to Caernarfon.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- Down's Syndrome - causes learning difficulties...
0:03:02 > 0:03:04- ..sometimes severe, sometimes mild.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08- Haf's philosophy - is that anything is possible.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13- Her family and community - encourage her every step of the way.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19- It's time for Haf to clock-in at - the council offices in Caernarfon.
0:03:20 > 0:03:23- I've been here for 19 years.
0:03:24 > 0:03:28- It's great to come here.
0:03:28 > 0:03:33- The people are nice - and they're good friends.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- Hello, good morning. Can I help you?
0:03:40 > 0:03:41- Yes?
0:03:43 > 0:03:45- Hiya, Miriam. Are you OK?
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- I answer the phone...
0:03:48 > 0:03:52- ..use a computer and shredder, - and count envelopes.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- I enjoy everything.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00- Everybody likes me.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- I make friends.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07- I've got old and new friends.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- I've got a lot of friends.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14- See you later.
0:04:14 > 0:04:19- Haf delivers the post - to the various departments.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- She loves saying hello to everyone.
0:04:23 > 0:04:29- She's a great colleague! You never - know what she'll come out with!
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- She knows what she's doing.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- Her daily routine - takes place like clockwork.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- Hiya, girls. Are you OK?
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- Did you have a nice weekend?
0:04:47 > 0:04:53- Haf even raises money in work. - Her latest project is stamps.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57- I'm collecting stamps.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01- There's a person - who's responsible for the stamps.
0:05:01 > 0:05:06- They collect the stamps - on Wednesdays or Thursdays.
0:05:07 > 0:05:13- The money we raise goes to - Ysbyty Gwynedd's Macmillan charity.
0:05:13 > 0:05:19- I've arranged - a fundraising Christmas concert.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24- We started as a small group - in the reception area.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- It got bigger and bigger and bigger.
0:05:28 > 0:05:33- We rehearsed during - our lunch breaks...
0:05:33 > 0:05:35- ..fair play to everyone.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- We had to decide - where the money would go.
0:05:41 > 0:05:44- We considered various charities.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49- We finally decided on one charity.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55- Music is close to Haf's heart, - especially Westlife.
0:05:55 > 0:05:58- There's a place for them in work, - too.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- I have loads of Westlife calendars.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- There are two here - and I have some at home, too.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- I met them in the Faenol Festival.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14- They were nice lads, lovely!
0:06:14 > 0:06:17- I went to their farewell concert.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- I was crying.
0:06:21 > 0:06:22- Yes.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- Haf works half days.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32- She has lunch every Monday - with her colleague, Eiriona.
0:06:33 > 0:06:34- What do you fancy?
0:06:34 > 0:06:36- What do you fancy?- - What are you having?
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- I think I'll have - a tuna sandwich on brown bread.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- And me.
0:06:44 > 0:06:45- OK.
0:06:45 > 0:06:47- And a glass of water.
0:06:48 > 0:06:49- Ideal.
0:06:49 > 0:06:50- Ideal.- - Great.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- Monday lunchtime - is the highlight of my week.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58- I love hearing her stories - - she leads an interesting life!
0:06:58 > 0:07:01- She goes places - and does different things.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- I went to the hairdresser. - Do you like it?
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- Very nice.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09- If I'm in a bad mood...
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- ..Haf walks in - and lights up the place.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17- Life would be empty without her.
0:07:17 > 0:07:18- Sandwiches?
0:07:18 > 0:07:20- Sandwiches?- - Oh, lovely! Thanks very much.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22- Thank you.
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- Chin-Chin.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- Cheers.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- What else did you do this weekend?
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- What else did you do this weekend?- - We started filming. It was exiting!
0:07:32 > 0:07:37- I was thinking about you - and knew you'd be excited.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41- I was a little nervous to start.
0:07:42 > 0:07:43- If anyone deserves it, that's you.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- If anyone deserves it, that's you.- - Thanks! You're a fantastic friend.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48- If mates...
0:07:48 > 0:07:50- If mates...- - Mates for life.
0:07:50 > 0:07:51- Come on!
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- I don't know many people - with Down's Syndrome.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- I wondered to what extent - Down's Syndrome has affected her.
0:08:01 > 0:08:04- I'm going to meet Haf.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- Haf lives in Llanrug.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- I'm really looking forward.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15- I hope we'll have fun, - chatting about our lives.
0:08:16 > 0:08:20- I want to find out - what her hobbies are.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24- Here we are.
0:08:35 > 0:08:36- Hello?
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- Hello. How are you?
0:08:39 > 0:08:40- Fine, thanks. How are you?
0:08:40 > 0:08:42- Fine, thanks. How are you?- - I'm great, thanks.
0:08:42 > 0:08:43- I'm James. Nice to meet you.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45- I'm James. Nice to meet you.- - And you.
0:08:46 > 0:08:47- There you are.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49- There you are.- - What are you doing?
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- I'm making cards.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55- I'm fundraising - for various charities.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00- I've received an order...
0:09:00 > 0:09:03- ..from a friend - who works with me in the council.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- Would you like - to make cards with me?
0:09:07 > 0:09:08- Yes!
0:09:08 > 0:09:11- Yes!- - This is what I do.
0:09:11 > 0:09:16- These could be Easter cards - for your parents.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19- Thank you.
0:09:19 > 0:09:22- When did you start designing cards?
0:09:22 > 0:09:24- When did you start designing cards?- - 2007.
0:09:24 > 0:09:30- I go to a friend's house every - Friday night and make them with her.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32- We have a lot of fun.
0:09:32 > 0:09:36- You use special equipment.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40- This is sharp, so be careful.
0:09:40 > 0:09:45- Thanks. Do you raise a lot of money?
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- We collect a lot of money.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53- My favourite charity - is Wales Air Ambulance.
0:09:53 > 0:09:59- Because I've raised so much - money for Wales Air Ambulance...
0:09:59 > 0:10:02- ..they took me up with them.
0:10:02 > 0:10:03- Really?
0:10:04 > 0:10:05- What was that like?
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- What was that like?- - It was fantastic.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- Haf has plenty of fundraising ideas.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13- The 5p project - was the most successful.
0:10:14 > 0:10:19- Haf placed 100 collection boxes - all over Wales.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- She raised 22,000 in 5p pieces.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- Why do you want - to raise money for charity?
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- I want to help people, - that's what I want to do...
0:10:33 > 0:10:38- ..to raise as much money - as possible for various charities.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43- How much have you raised - over the years?
0:10:44 > 0:10:46- Altogether...
0:10:46 > 0:10:48- ..43,000.
0:10:48 > 0:10:51- It's almost 44,000.
0:10:52 > 0:10:53- Brilliant.
0:10:53 > 0:10:55- You make cards every Saturday.
0:10:55 > 0:10:56- Yes.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- You're an inspiration.
0:10:59 > 0:11:02- It's a pleasure to make the cards.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07- Like me, - Haf enjoys all sorts of sports.
0:11:07 > 0:11:12- She loves competing, - wrestling and football.
0:11:12 > 0:11:13- Who do you support?
0:11:13 > 0:11:14- Who do you support?- - Liverpool.
0:11:15 > 0:11:16- I'm Manchester City.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18- I'm Manchester City.- - Oh, Manchester City!
0:11:18 > 0:11:21- They won last year.
0:11:21 > 0:11:22- Yes!
0:11:23 > 0:11:27- Were you shouting at the television?
0:11:27 > 0:11:32- I had a few drinks! - I won't say what, mind.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37- I like wrestling.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42- I sometimes go - to the wrestling in Cardiff.
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- My brother and I watch that, too.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48- My brother and I watch that, too.- - Great! Who do you like?
0:11:48 > 0:11:53- We like The Rock and The Undertaker. - Who's your favourite?
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- My hero is John Cena.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- The Thomas family - are a close family.
0:12:00 > 0:12:05- Haf loves going on trips - with her parents, and family life.
0:12:06 > 0:12:10- Do you enjoy - living at home with Mam and Dad?
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- It's great to live here.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18- Would you like to live on your own?
0:12:19 > 0:12:23- No. I like being - at home with my family.
0:12:23 > 0:12:25- Do you help Mam in the kitchen?
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- Do you help Mam in the kitchen?- - I wash the dishes.
0:12:28 > 0:12:33- When Mam is cooking, - I'm there to wash the dishes.
0:12:33 > 0:12:37- Well done. What do you enjoy most - about your life?
0:12:37 > 0:12:40- That's a hard question.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- I enjoy every moment.
0:12:47 > 0:12:52- In part two, I'll meet Haf's - family to find out more about her...
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- ..and the difficult time - when Haf was born.
0:12:56 > 0:12:56- .
0:12:59 > 0:12:59- Subtitles
0:12:59 > 0:13:01- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- Haf likes to keep fit and healthy.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- Her father often takes her - to the local leisure centre.
0:13:17 > 0:13:18- Ta-ra.
0:13:18 > 0:13:19- Ta-ra.- - Enjoy yourself.
0:13:20 > 0:13:21- I will.
0:13:25 > 0:13:29- I'm in the gym in Caernarfon.
0:13:29 > 0:13:35- I like coming here - to do a little bit of everything.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38- It makes me breathless.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- I get tired and my legs go stiff.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- I like coming here.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49- Weakened muscles - is a symptom of Down's Syndrome.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53- Thyroid problems are also common.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55- It can lead to weight issues.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- When I want to lose weight, - I drink green tea.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- It aids weight loss.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- It's healthy to drink...
0:14:09 > 0:14:12- ..and I love it.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17- After an hour in the gym...
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- ..Haf returns home - for a cuppa with her parents.
0:14:21 > 0:14:22- Hello, Mam!
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- I was just making a brew.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28- I'm parched!
0:14:28 > 0:14:30- Parched, are you?
0:14:31 > 0:14:32- Yes, please.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- And something small to eat.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- And something small to eat.- - You want jam on it!
0:14:39 > 0:14:40- How did it go in the gym?
0:14:40 > 0:14:42- How did it go in the gym?- - Great.
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- I went on everything.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- On the different equipment. - You have to start swimming again.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- You swam to raise money - for Pendalar School.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- The new school. That was fantastic.
0:14:56 > 0:14:58- How many lengths did you swim?
0:14:59 > 0:15:01- 65 lengths.
0:15:02 > 0:15:03- A mile.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- That was some distance!
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- Are you enjoying the tea?
0:15:09 > 0:15:10- Very nice.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- Do you want a biscuit?
0:15:15 > 0:15:20- Haf lives life to the full, - with the support of her family.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- It wasn't so easy - for her mother and father.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28- When she was born, the news - of her condition was a shock.
0:15:28 > 0:15:32- Haf was born on a Wednesday.
0:15:32 > 0:15:38- She was taken to the Special Care - Unit because she was under weight.
0:15:39 > 0:15:42- That's what I thought.
0:15:42 > 0:15:47- The following day, I asked - when Haf could come to my bedside.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- They didn't say much.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- And then, a doctor asked to see me.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- I went to see him.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- Only the doctor and I - were in the room.
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- He gave me a huge shock...
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- ..only me, on my own.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- He said, in English...
0:16:11 > 0:16:16- "..I wanted to tell you - that your baby has Down's Syndrome."
0:16:19 > 0:16:24- You can imagine how I felt.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28- Haf was in the Special Care Unit - because of her weight.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- I could see her - through the glass door.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37- She had a round face, - and looked like Ann's father.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- He had a round face.
0:16:40 > 0:16:45- I said to Ann, - "She's just like your Dad."
0:16:46 > 0:16:47- I went home.
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- I was in work on Thursday...
0:16:52 > 0:16:56- ..when the hospital rang.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- They asked if I could go there, - so I went.
0:17:01 > 0:17:06- A nurse came to meet me - in the corridor of the hospital.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- "Are you Mr Thomas?" she asked me.
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- "Yes," I replied.
0:17:14 > 0:17:17- Tears began to fall down - her cheeks.
0:17:17 > 0:17:20- I can see her now.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27- She said, "I'm sorry." - "What's wrong?" I asked her.
0:17:28 > 0:17:31- "Your little baby is Down's."
0:17:32 > 0:17:36- I went to see Ann straightaway.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40- As you can imagine, - she was heartbroken.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47- After seeing Ann...
0:17:47 > 0:17:53- ..a paediatrician asked to see me.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56- I sat down.
0:17:56 > 0:18:01- He began to discuss Down's Syndrome.
0:18:02 > 0:18:07- I only heard negative points...
0:18:09 > 0:18:15- ..that we'd have to feed her - until she was seven or eight...
0:18:15 > 0:18:19- ..she'd be in nappies - until she was ten, and so on.
0:18:20 > 0:18:21- Only negative things.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26- I remember driving from Bangor.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- I had to contact work.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34- There were no mobile phones - back then.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- I stopped at a telephone kiosk.
0:18:37 > 0:18:43- I noticed - the windscreen wipers were on.
0:18:43 > 0:18:48- It wasn't raining.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- I realized what it was...
0:18:52 > 0:18:54- ..my face was wet.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- I was in shock.
0:19:00 > 0:19:05- In time, Haf's parents began - considering having more children.
0:19:06 > 0:19:11- But they feared the same thing - could happen again.
0:19:12 > 0:19:17- The doctor mentioned - a test I could take...
0:19:18 > 0:19:22- ..to make sure everything was OK...
0:19:22 > 0:19:26- ..and that the same syndrome - wouldn't be repeated.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30- I went for the test.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- Everything was fine, - there was nothing to worry about.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41- Ffion, Haf's sister, - lives in Cardiff.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46- She comes home as often - as possible and they're both close.
0:19:46 > 0:19:51- Haf is my big sister. We have - a normal sisterly relationship.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57- We've been treated the same...
0:19:58 > 0:20:00- ..even though Haf is different.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05- We've always - had a close relationship.
0:20:05 > 0:20:10- A recent highlight - was Haf's 40th birthday.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- Ffion arranged her sister's party.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15- We were on the train, remember?
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- We had a laugh!
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- We jumped - on the train in Caernarfon.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- From Caernarfon to Dinas.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27- Do you remember what happened there?
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- Here's a photo of you and the girls.
0:20:33 > 0:20:38- Haf has developed - into a popular girl.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44- As she grew older...
0:20:45 > 0:20:48- ..we realized her gifts - outweighed her disability.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- She lives as normal - a life as is possible.
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- That was our approach - to bringing her up.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01- This had happened.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- We'll raise her as we think is best.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09- And that's what we did.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- I remember something Haf told me.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- She enjoys every second of her life.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- That struck a chord with me.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25- We have to appreciate everything.
0:21:26 > 0:21:30- It's brilliant to see - someone who has been accepted.
0:21:35 > 0:21:40- The last time I saw Haf, she - challenged me to a game of pool.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42- I'm going to Llanrug for a game.
0:21:42 > 0:21:47- Snooker and pool - are some of her favourite sports.
0:21:47 > 0:21:52- She's been to a number - of tournaments and met the stars.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- I hope we'll still be friends - after the game! Hello, Haf.
0:21:56 > 0:21:58- Hello, James. How are you?
0:21:58 > 0:21:59- Hello, James. How are you?- - Fine, thanks.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01- Are you ready for the challenge?
0:22:01 > 0:22:02- Are you ready for the challenge?- - Yes! Are you?
0:22:02 > 0:22:04- I hope it'll be a friendly game.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07- Thanks. Do you want to break?
0:22:08 > 0:22:09- You go first.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- You go first.- - OK.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- Do you ever compete?
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- Only when we go out for a meal.
0:22:21 > 0:22:26- If we see a table, we go for a shot.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31- Well done. The first one's in.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35- You're on the stripes.
0:22:36 > 0:22:37- OK.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40- Oh, dear!
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- Don't worry. You've got another go.
0:22:45 > 0:22:46- You like winning.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- I like winning, yes.
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- If Dad beats me, I sulk!
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- Have you got any tips for me?
0:23:00 > 0:23:04- Concentrate on the ball.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- Keep your eye on the ball.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10- I'll try that now.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12- Keep your eye on the ball.
0:23:14 > 0:23:15- It's close!
0:23:15 > 0:23:18- It's close!- - Luckily for me, Haf's tips worked.
0:23:20 > 0:23:23- You've snookered me.
0:23:26 > 0:23:27- Great shot.
0:23:32 > 0:23:33- You've won.
0:23:33 > 0:23:34- You've won.- - Thanks.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37- Do you want another game?
0:23:37 > 0:23:38- Do you want another game?- - OK.
0:23:42 > 0:23:47- Spending time with Haf - has been an emotional rollercoaster.
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- Her parents had a hard time - when she was born.
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- But Haf has been accepted - by the community.
0:23:54 > 0:23:59- No-one has ever made her feel - that she was different.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:24:18 > 0:24:18- .