Man with Down's syndrome achieves ambition to elected as parish councillor in Nuthall
STEPHEN Green has always refused to let Down's syndrome get in the way of his dreams.
Now, that determination has seen him realise his latest ambition – to become a parish councillor for his village.
-
New role: Stephen Green from Nuthall, is one of the first people with Down's syndrome to be elected on to a local council.
Mr Green, 47, of Cedarland Crescent, Nuthall, previously made the headlines for learning to read music and performing his first piano recital in Kimberley.
He was elected as member of Nuthall Parish Council following a by-election held last week after his predecessor, Councillor Paul Simpson, stepped down.
Choose from 100's of Carpet, Vinyl & Laminate Floor and get any for Half Price. Simply print off this voucher and mention This is Nottingham when you arrange your free estimate.
Terms: One voucher per order. Can not be used with any other offer or discount. Voucher must be produced at time of sale. Don't miss out, this offer ends Thursday and will not be repeated.
Contact: 0115 8969583
Valid until: Thursday, May 23 2013
It was the second time Mr Green had stood for election on to the council, having previously done so about eight years ago.
He was alerted about the possibility of the role by his father.
It was an opportunity which Mr Green relished.
He said: "I want to help other people in the community I've grown up and lived in all my life.
"I stood before at the election so I'm very pleased to be councillor now.
"There will be some challenges but I've got a good support network around me."
His father, Grenville Green, who is also Stephen's carer, said he believed his son could be one of the first people with Down's syndrome in the country to become a parish councillor.
He put his name forward for the East Ward position on the parish council last week.
The election was due to take place last Thursday but, as nobody else stood against him, he was declared councillor on Friday.
His father said: "It's a big achievement for Stephen.
"I'm ecstatic; he lost his mum when he was 28. It's not been an easy ride.
"I got so much enjoyment out of his achievements. He was willing to fight this election. I was a bit disappointed nobody put up, to be honest, because it would have proved a point.
"He's got a lot to offer Nuthall; he can teach people manners and how to behave in public."
Liz Silver, of the Notts Disabled People's Movement, said: "It's great news, I hope he enjoys it.
"I think generally disabled people do have concerns about discrimination and stereotyping; it affects some people more than others."
Comments
by Urwin
Monday, October 29 2012, 1:17AM
“"News from David Watts, Broxtowe Liberal Democrat Leader 28 October 2012" by Steve Austin
David Watts writes about issues numbered 1 to 15---
No 7 on his list----"New Nuthall Councillor"--Congratulations to Stephen Green on being elected as the new town councillor for Nuthall following a by election. Stephen is, according to reports, the first councillor in the country to suffer from Downs Syndrome. I wish him every success.
You just could not make it up, and he is a LEADER with a legal background!
Grenville Green”
by mattgaltress
Thursday, October 25 2012, 4:48PM
“Well done, and good luck to him.”
by wortho48
Thursday, October 25 2012, 3:00PM
“Good luck Stephen it just goes to show that with love and support from good parents our children whether disabled autistic or normal can in deed aspire to become whatever they want to in this world . A great example to all .”
by spondon
Thursday, October 25 2012, 1:40PM
“What a brigt ray of sunshine this has put on my day. Congratulations Stephen please just be yourself and represnt all commers with enthusiasm and you will achieve wonders. Nuthall has just shown how to support its residents and it seems you frightened off the opposition by your obvious talents..”
by Son_of_Reddog
Thursday, October 25 2012, 12:34PM
“Just shows what you can achieve with a positive mental attitude and some parental support. Congratulations!”
by BLawrenson
Thursday, October 25 2012, 12:30PM
“Not suffering, conquering. Congratulation Stephen ( and your Dad ).”
by sicofit
Thursday, October 25 2012, 12:07PM
“Brilliant news, I do not believe Stephen is "suffering" from Downs Syndrome all the people I have met who have Downs Syndrome are honest and caring, unlike some of the people who are considered to be "normal"
Good luck Stephen I am certain you will do a fantastic job for your community.”