Championing social change

Selnet Enterprise in Society Awards 2026 Finalist

I’m honoured to be recognised as a finalist for “20 years a Social Enterprise Champion” in Selnet Ltd awards, and to have been nominated for the SMK Lifetime Achievement award. I have always championed social change, challenging assumptions and adding my voice and support wherever I can – as a naturally shy introvert that’s been quite something! I believe when … Read More

Lifetime Achievement Award

Man wearing black bow tie and suit woman in red dress and younger woman in pink dress and sparkly headband all smiling sat at a dinner table

With synapses zapping, buzzing, and fizzing all week, perhaps I might be forgiven for indulging in a tingling sensation of pride.  It is incredibly special to be determined the most worthy recipient from amongst notable others of the Lifetime Achievement Award at Best Business Women Awards. Thank you again to you Debbie and your judges and sponsors for creating this … Read More

Eternal Opportunism

Malcolm, Sue and Jen Blackwell wearing hats in the snowy cold of Colorado January 2025

I have a problem.  I have eternal opportunism written into my DNA.  My glass is (almost) always half full, because if half empty I’d have walked off the end of that metaphorical short plank a long long time ago; or as Malcolm says, it keeps the men in white coats at bay. So how about you?  Do you have clear … Read More

Thank you for being part of extraordinary lives

Donna Wheeldon and Jen Blackwell standing next to each other on stairs in graduation robes before Jen's honorary degree graduation July 2024

We have so much to give thanks for. So many people over the years have said “yes”, or “I don’t know but have you tried…” and supported our ambition that Jen born with Down’s syndrome, and others like her to be treated like any other human being – having the right support and opportunities to pursue their dreams and follow … Read More

The week that was spreading joy and happiness

Lady in red coat holding phone camera next to white male with grey hair next to white lady in grey coat with cream scarf. All smiling looking in mirror for photograph

The week that was!  The precursor to the eventful week anticipated! Life with and for Jen is full on in so many wonderful ways no one could ever have foreseen. As a dancer Jen has made her mark.  As a daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, friend she is loved.  As a leader, a flagbearer, a multi-award winner, a role model, … Read More

Leaders from unexpected places

Malcolm, white male in tuxedo and Sue, white female in dress and jacket smiling at each other with love

Awards raise profile and awareness.  This is our first exposure on a global stage making the largest minority in society more visible creating increased awareness for those in the room, opening eyes to the marginalized.   Intellectual disability affects people from all walks of life across the world but all too often they are hidden from view rather than celebrated as … Read More

Thought Leader Gold Award

Gold 2024 Stevie Winner International Business Awards

Wow! I’m still stunned two weeks on to have been recognised as the Gold Award winner by the Stevie International Business Awards. On occasion awards appear out of the ether. When we enter awards, for DanceSyndrome or for Jen, it’s because we believe that sharing what we do with a wider audience enables and inspires other people to know and … Read More

Dr (h.c.) Jen Blackwell BEM

Left Professor Penny Cook, middle Dr (h,c) Jen Blackwell BEM, right Professor Margaret Rowe University of Salford Dean. Presentation of Jen's Honorary Doctorate from University of Salford July 2024

Who would have thought it was possible for someone like Jen, with a profound intellectual disability, would have been honoured with an Honorary Doctorate for her services to dance? It’s been an incredible few months since we heard, absorbed the enormity of this honour from Salford University, and then attended Jen’s graduation ceremony in July 2024. The whole experience has … Read More

We are all different

Donna Jen Sophie ready for Buckingham Palace Garden Party May 24

Just a few days ago Malcolm and I were camping with our trusty ‘big’ car tent (top left) by ourselves as it turned out, soaking up the glorious view over Lostwithiel in Devon. Whilst Jen, was loving living in style for a couple of days at the fancy Rubens Hotel, Buckingham Palace Road. She loves the whole experience of being … Read More

An issue of identity

Jen receiving British Empire Medal

Issues of Identity impact all of us.  ‘What makes you you? How did you become the person you are? What defines you?  How do others regard you?  Do you have a label?  And more importantly, do you wear your label with pride? Are you defined by your stature, the colour of your hair or your eyes, your age or ethnicity, … Read More