A singer/songwriter who released her debut single on Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week, say’s she won’t ever stop trying to educate people about the condition.
Ruby, 18, is sister to 14-year-old Jude, who has Down’s syndrome. She says her brother means the world to her and wrote the song Trying to shift people’s perspectives of disability. Ruby has since been hailed as ‘one to watch’ by BBC Introducing Music in her area, and hopes the single is the start of bigger things.
We caught up with Ruby to find out more.
Tell us about yourself…
I am an 18-year-old singer songwriter and I was four years old when my brother Jude was born with Down’s syndrome and just like the excitement of any sibling being born to me, he was simply perfect. Jude and I are very close (I am definitely his favourite!!) We are part of a big family and Jude has a big brother and sister and one little brother and twin little sisters.
Jude and I are very close. He is non-verbal so from a young age I learnt Makaton to communicate with him and even without words, I understand him and enjoy his funny sense of humour.
His favourite programme would be something like ‘You’ve Been Framed!’ and he loves Horrid Henry and Hop! Jude always finds things hilarious at someone else’s misfortune, like if they trip up or stub their toe! He loves comedy and is always doing funny actions to make us all laugh.
Together we love to go bowling and out to dinner. Jude loves the one-to-one attention and enjoys the days I take him out to dinner, if he joins my friends and I, he’s in his element. He loves dancing and I’m always asking him to dance round the kitchen to my songs!
Tell us about the song ‘Trying’
Trying is about shifting perspectives and asking others to love the person for who they are, not discriminate them for being different and looking different.
It was inspired by being brought up with siblings that are ‘normal’ and ‘different’ and through even my eyes at a young age, I saw other people and children staring at us and people would say outrageous comments. I can always feel the judgement. But in my world at home, we had the perfect family and I felt so lucky.
I wrote the song as even now I am constantly Trying to educate others around me about disability discrimination. Luckily for Jude, he is never aware of hurtful looks or stares and comments, but it is us as a family that hurt. But I will forever speak up for him.
Why did you release ‘Trying’ on Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week?
I released Trying on Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week as it is the most special week of my year and I wanted to release my debut at that unforgettable time. Even during my primary school years, I was at a little village school which was so supportive to our family, they loved Jude, they would ask the whole school to dress up in mismatched socks and bright colours and we would all celebrate Jude, even the head teacher took part. I have very special memories and Jude loved it being about him. One year a parent took the most beautiful picture of Jude with all his friends in mismatched socks. It’s still one of my favourites.
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What does Jude think of the song?
Jude dances to my song and knows it is me singing. Unfortunately, he isn’t aware of the meaning which is why it is so important to me to always represent him and be his voice and advocate.
Tell us about your chevron tattoo…
I got the chevron tattoo which represents Down’s syndrome at the back of my ear as I want Jude to know I will always be listening for him and to him. It is the most beautiful tattoo. My mum has it too. I want to represent that he is the most important person to me and always will be.
What are your hopes for the future?
My hope for the future is that we are all stay heathy. To be a great role model to my little twin sisters who are five, they are growing up with a different Jude to what I did. He is big now! But they adore him. I want to teach them to always stay true to themselves and that it is their duty of care too to make sure Jude is always looked after and happy too. I want to continue writing and releasing music and hopefully more of the world get to hear it!
Listen to Trying below
You can find Ruby on Instagram or via her website.