Mencap Welcomes Marks & Spencer Ad Including Seb White, 4
Christmas is nearly here and, this year, it will see a first in the advertising world in Britain. Leading retailer Marks and Spencer will feature a child with Down’s syndrome in its TV advertising campaign.
From tomorrow (Wednesday 7 November), four-year-old Seb White, from Bath, will be on our screens promoting the store’s clothing range. Seb has previously modelled for catalogue company JoJo Maman Bebe – featuring in its autumn catalogue (pictured).
Mencap welcomes Seb’s inclusion. “We are absolutely delighted,” says Mencap spokesperson Emma Harrison. “Seb is a charming and very appealing little boy, and his mother Caroline has fought hard to ensure that he has the same opportunities as lots of other children, to show what he can do and gain confidence.
“The fact that he has Down’s syndrome and will be seen by millions of people on TV and on posters in stores will help us challenge some of the misunderstandings and prejudice that can make life difficult for so many children.”
At lunchtime (12-2pm) on Friday (9 November), you can discuss the advert, and what it could mean for media inclusion in the future, on Twitter. Seb’s mum, Caroline Playle, will be joining in. Please follow Mencap at @mencap_charity and use the hashtag #adinclusion to join the discussion.
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