An inspiring true story of a life devoted to helping Downs children. Alex Bell is a 53 year old woman who lives in Swinton, on the outskirts of Manchester. She is feisty, funny with a real firecracker of a personality. She has needed that strength of character for Alex is the adoptive mother of 8 children with Downs Syndrome or other disabilities, children who some parts of society would perhaps prefer to forget. Age 28 and unmarried, Alex adopted her first Downs child, Matthew - and became one of the first people in the UK to be approved for adoption as a single woman. Amazingly, she went on to take eight more children under her wing, Simon, Adrian, Nathan, Andrew, Chloe, Tom, Emily and Callum. Some had been through a frustratingly bureaucratic care system, or moved from one foster parent to another. It sometimes seemed an impossible challenge, but Alex was determined to give these children stability, love and the best life possible. With her down-to-earth charm, Alex also brings together the families often torn apart by Downs. She encourages the birth families to get together - some of whom have sadly turned their backs on their son or daughter, but others have now long been happily involved in their children's lives. The nine children each have unique, sometimes heartbreaking stories, but they are also the most joyful, compelling and fascinating children you're ever likely to meet: Happy-to-lucky Matthew, 24, who takes people on tours of Man. Utd - the only Downs child to be given such a privileged position, and testament to Alex's care Adrian, the family timekeeper and numbers wiz, as if born with a clock inside his brain Chloe, the lovable, mischievous scamp known as Little Miss Dynamite Prepare to be amazed, moved and entranced by this powerful true story that will change the way we all look at disabilities. Alex believes special needs children are 'gifts', and spending any time with her it becomes obvious that she also has a very special gift of her own.

Recent Advances in Cardiology: 16 provides a selection of review articles that present important advances within the field of cardiac medicine. Written by renowned experts and covering topics such as cardiac screening for athletes, electrocardiography of the QT interval and genetics of atrial fibrillation, Recent Advances in Cardiology: 16 is essential reading for trainees and practising cardiac physicians wanting to remain up to date with the latest developments in this field. 12 chapters summarising important recent advances within the field of cardiology All topics are written in a practical and clinically relevant manner, further enhanced by the 'key points for clinical practice' sections at the end of each chapter Provides an effective exam revision tool for cardiology portion of the MRCP(UK) and the Knowledge Based Assessment in cardiology All chapters written by expert authors ensuring authoritative and accurate content Full colour photographs throughout

Recent Advances in Cardiology: 17 provides a selection of review articles that present important advances within the field of cardiac medicine. Written by renowned experts and covering topics such as sudden cardiac death in young adults, biomarkers and risk stratification and HIV and coronary disease, Recent Advances in Cardiology: 17 is essential reading for trainees and practising cardiac physicians wanting to remain up to date with the latest developments in this field. 10 chapters summarising important recent advances within the field of cardiology All topics are written in a practical and clinically relevant manner, further enhanced by the 'key points for clinical practice' sections at the end of each chapter Provides an effective exam revision tool for cardiology portion of the MRCP(UK) and the Knowledge Based Assessment in cardiology All chapters written by expert authors ensuring authoritative and accurate content Full colour photographs throughout