They are devastating words for any parents, or prospective parents, to hear — your child has Down’s syndrome.

Only people who have been in this position can adequately convey how it feels to be told such a thing.

Fortunately a group of parents once dealt such tragic news have long since emerged from the darkness and despair to tell of how their beautiful children have brought great joy into their lives.

Mums Emma Hall and Sharon Smith, who both have children with Down’s syndrome, could hardly have imagined the impact they would have when they set up Stepping Stones in November 2006 to help new parents, just like themselves, cope with an unplanned journey.

Their happy little group of 21 families meet for a couple of hours on the first Friday of the month at the Victoria Halls in Hartley Wintney so the children can have fun playing together while the parents enjoy a chat and coffee and swap information and stories.

Now, on the eve of Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week from June 2-8, Stepping Stones has brought out a booklet destined to help the families of every child with Down’s Syndrome.

Stepping Stones, Our Stories, which will be available in hospitals and health centres and from health visitors and doctors, is destined to revolutionise the lives of parents in those shattering early days.

Emma, who lives at Elvetham Heath in Fleet, said: “The booklet was put together because our members identified a lack of friendly, honest, up to date information available.”

Rather than concentrating on medical and negative aspects, the booklet features stories and pictures of real people with real stories enjoying their lives, albeit on a path they hadn’t chosen.

“The booklet isn’t full of medical information. It deals with what life is like with children who have Down’s syndrome. The truth is they are not much different from other children,” said Emma.

“They play and have fun and they can be mischievous. The booklet contains feelgood stories, but it is honest. There is nothing quite like hearing the stories of other parents in that situation, plus the stories of brothers, sisters, grandparents and friends.

“Of course it is a different journey you weren’t planning, but life goes on.”

The need to approach the subject in a more enlightened way is illustrated by the story of Emma’s family, as told by husband Dan in the booklet.

Having to take in important information when you are still in a state of shock is very difficult. Their little girl was born on April 25 2005.

Dan said: “I had already planned this little one’s life out — looking forward to being wrapped around her little finger, warning the boys off when she thought she was old enough to date and arguing because she wanted this dress and not that dress.

“Within an hour or so the news that Isla had Down’s syndrome had shaken and questioned all those plans. Before I knew it the doctor had reeled off so many conditions that I really had no idea what was going on. Emma and I looked at each other in blank confusion.

“To say I was stunned was an understatement. Did I ask why us? Of course I did. Did I wonder how we’d cope with a little girl with special needs? Yes — but then she opened her tiny little eyes and tiny hands as I held her and I was smitten. Already she had me wrapped around her little finger.”

Within days came the battle to save her.

“Eight days old, my little princess was rushed into hospital for an operation that could save her life. That day only confirmed my love. If she was going to fight this hard to be in my life, then I was going to do all I can to fight for her.

“Almost three years on, life isn’t what we expected. I had no idea what life would be like with kids, let alone one with special needs. And do you know what? Life is great. Yes, we have our ups and downs — yes, Isla is sometimes unwell, yes, she is behind her peers, but her smile, her determination and her personality make my life amazing.”

The booklet contains the stories of families just like Emma and Dan who have overcome a setback to enjoy fulfilled and happy lives. It is proof that there is hope after despair — and that children with Down’s syndrome bring no less joy to their parents in so many ways.

Emma thanks the people and groups who made the booklet possible, with particular mention of Hart district councillor Sharyn Wheale, whose £1,400 grant from her funds covered the printing costs.

There are no geographical limits to Stepping Stones. It is open to anyone and families from Fleet, Farnham, Bracknell, Hartley Wintney, Hook, Crowthorne, Basingstoke and Rotherwick regularly attend events.

They do so much more for each other than simply meet once a month.

Last summer, 50 people enjoyed a fun-filled day with the animals at Marwell Zoo, and on Sunday more than 70 went to Romsey, courtesy of Hart Lions, for a day at Paultons Park. Then there was the Christmas party that parents and their children enjoyed.

There is also practical help with maths systems training in June, so parents and professionals can help the children. There are also speech and therapy sessions.

Stepping Stones is registered with Hart Voluntary Action and affiliated to the Down’s Syndrome Association. Further information is available from Emma on 01252 664049 or Sharon on 01256 763033 or by e-mailing enquiries@steppingstones.co.uk.