Iwas delighted this week to join forces with organisations, charities and most importantly Norfolk families to mark World Down Syndrome Day. It's fantastic that the voice of people with Down Syndrome, and those who work and live with them, grows louder.

Since the condition was recognised by John Langdon Down in 1866, attitudes towards, and knowledge of, the condition have progressed and become more informed.

But there is still a long way to go.

Roughly one in 1,000 babies will be born with Down Syndrome. This day is unashamedly and proudly for each of them and their families, friends and supporters. We want to help raise awareness of what Down Syndrome is, what it means to have the condition, and how people with Down Syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities.

In Norfolk, we have many outstanding individuals who provide support services. It was a privilege on Tuesday to meet two young mothers who are making a big difference – Zoe Lee and Emma Taylor.

They both have young sons with the condition, and who are very similar in age. Emma and Zoe have a Facebook page where they chart what the boys are getting up to. Called 'Best Buddies and their Adventures' the page is a positive diary of these two adorable little boys. They will make your heart melt!

It's lovely to recognise how unique those with the condition are. It's a fantastic opportunity to champion individuals 'ability' and not just focus on the wider 'disability'. Recognising the contributions an individual can make to the world – and how much they can achieve – is a vital part of reducing the stigma surrounding all disability. Emma and Zoe wanted to make sure Norwich and Norfolk publically acknowledged the significance of the day. Both Norwich Castle and Norwich City Hall were illuminated in yellow and blue. A small crowd gathered to release balloons. A full hour on my radio programme was dedicated to a phone-in about the subject.

Internationally the event was also marked. Kathleen Humberstone spoke out against discrimination. Her stage – the United Nations in Geneva. The 17-year-old travelled from her home in Surrey to Switzerland with her mum Denise and dad Andy to give the talk in front of hundreds of people.

She began by saying: 'I can't believe I'm here, at the UN, in Geneva! Do you know why? Because I have 47 chromosomes. That's just crazy!'

Mum Denise said how proud she was to see her daughter get up in a room full of important UN policy makers, but it's scary that some people still choose to abort because they are having a Down's baby.

She said: 'I feel rather mixed emotions right now; on the one hand I'm incredibly proud of Kathleen's achievement. But on the other hand I feel like I have to show off her every achievement just to show and remind society that her life is worth living.'

I'm 'pro-choice' and support any couple that wish to make an informed decision about their pregnancy if it involves complications. I don't know, nor does it really matter, how I would have reacted if one of my babies had been identified as having a high chance of having the extra chromosome.

From 2018, the new test will be offered to all pregnant women who have been found through initial screening to have at least a one in 150 likelihood of having a Down's baby.

Playing Devil's advocate, it could be argued: whatever happened to unconditional love? When did society decide we should want and love a child only if it is a 'perfect' specimen?

You could also say medical advances offer opportunities and choices, previously unavailable. I don't have a view.

Either way we strive to break down barriers and highlight the valuable role that many individuals with Down Syndrome play in our society.

It's a condition – it doesn't define them.