From a young age, Frances Childs has challenged any stereotypes people might place on those with learning disabilities - from winning an Olympic gold medal for swimming at age 24, to writing the published memoirs of her life. The 66-year-old has lived with Down's Syndrome all her life, but has never let this hold her back.
"A life less ordinary" is how some people might describe her journey to date. Frances, has been involved with Bridgend County Borough’s day care services for over 47 years since the age of 17, and on April 14, she retired.
Frances is an avid fundraiser and has raised over £200 for the Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend. This was after her stay there when she had to fight for her life with Covid-19, in March, 2020. So grateful for the care she received, Frances wanted to show the hospital her gratitude.
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She hit the local headlines in June, 1981, when she became the Swimming Gold Medallist for 50m at the in Belgium Special Olympics, surrounded by her family - including her father, who taught her to swim at the age of six at Kenfig pool. A well-seasoned and worldly traveller, largely along with her family, Frances even crossed the Equator in 1982, through her involvement in Gateway Clubs, which organised a Third World charity project based in Africa.
Discussing her achievements with WalesOnline, and what she got out of being part of the Day Care services, Frances said: "I made new friends and loved all the staff so have got loads out of it. Will-power is the most important thing if you want to overcome something."
She has inspired lots of people in the area over the years, especially on her sponsored walk in Porthcawl. Frances said: "I did that after getting Covid and knew how hard the nurses were working, so decided to give back."
Considering what advice she had for other people determined to achieve their goals in the face of adversity, she simply said: "Go for it." And, despite retiring from Day Services, Frances does not intend to slow down any time soon, and has plans to complete her family tree as well as write a book. "I'm still learning about my family, and where I come from", she noted.
"And I even found out recently I have family in Australia, so there's still lots to learn and it will keep me busy. And my new book will be about different parts of my life and I will share it all with the world."
Her future plans also include adding to her collection of catering qualifications, voluntary work, as well as watching and meeting the Welsh rugby team.
Supported living manager, Catherine Hevizi, said: “The nurses fell in love with her. She also produced a talking book about experiencing Covid-19 with learning disabilities, with the aim of helping others – this went live on the NHS app. Frances is a very independent lady! She is strong willed and can achieve anything she sets her mind on.”
Mark Hobbs, former Day Service officer from Bridgend Day Services, worked closely with Frances, helping her to discover distant relatives using Genes Reunited. He said: “It was her greatest interest whilst working with me, and ultimately, it became mine too.
“Frances is one of the IT users who I fondly regard as a friend. I miss her still and very much send my best wishes to her in retirement.”
Deputy leader and cabinet member for social care and early help, Cllr Jane Gebbie, said: “Frances is a shining reminder that we really are limitless. In fact, the only restrictions we have are the ones which we place upon ourselves. The commitment of the Day Service staff cannot go unnoticed, with them helping their vulnerable people to realise their potential each day. However, this is undoubtedly a reciprocated service - in supporting our users we also learn so much from them and our lives are enriched by doing so.
“We would like to wish Frances all the very best for her future plans. We have no doubt that she will fulfil them all!”
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