World Down's Syndrome Day

13 years ago today my life changed forever. My second daughter, Isabella, came into my world.

The bond was instant and from the moment I gazed into her cobalt eyes I fell deeply in love with her.

Shortly after her birth, we found out she had Down’s syndrome. My knowledge of the condition was pretty limited but if anything I felt closer to her - like she needed me to protect and support her.

At that time, she was no different to any other new born - the need to be fed, changed, cuddled and loved.

In the intervening years, as the disparity between her abilities and age widened, my love for her never faltered. If anything it has intensified.

As Isabella reaches her teenage years, I see before me the most beautiful soul imaginable. She makes me laugh and she makes me cry. She brings happiness and radiates warmth to our family.

She has severe difficulties in terms of behaviour and communication, but I see this as society’s problem in its intransigence to learn more about and to accept God’s fallen angels.

In the 13 years I have known and loved Isabella, I have become a different man. If it wasn’t for her, I would not have had the desire to achieve what I have done.

There is still more to come from her and there is still more to come from me.

So, Isabella, I know you won’t read this or even understand what it is I am trying to explain, but, baby, I love you more than anyone will ever know.

Happy Birthday princess and I vow that I will try to make the world a better place for you and for all the wonderful people like you.

• I am running the Greater Manchester Marathon in April to raise funds for High Five - a charity that supports families of children with severe learning and physical disabilities. For more information, please visit www.paulholliday.co.uk