.From surviving open heart surgery to winning beauty pageants, it is no wonder mum Hazel is in complete awe of her daughter.

Emily, of Northbarr Road in Erskine, was born with Down’s Syndrome, a condition which, in 50 per cent of cases in children, comes with a congenital heart defect.

But, never letting it stand in her way, the remarkable tot has bounced back from a series of surgeries to become part of a thought-provoking campaign for Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week.

Proud parent Hazel is also aiming to change small-minded views of the condition by raising awareness through charity events with the help of three other mums who also have children with Down’s Syndrome.

The 43-year-old, who works as a police officer, told The Gazette: “This month is Down’s Syndrome Month and from March 17-23 it will be Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week.

“My daughter Emily is going to be one of the faces of a campaign called Lose The Label, which is aimed at changing the perceptions of Down’s Syndrome.

“Basically it’s to show people that Emily is Emily, not a Down’s Syndrome child.

“We hope it can show people not to give those with Down’s Syndrome a label, but to see them as the first person and that they can do the exact same things as everyone else can.” With her enviable golden curls and infectious smile, it is no surprise that Emily was last year crowned the winner of a beauty pageant contest.

After being born with a hole in her heart and a number of other health problems, courageous Emily was also forced to undergo heart surgery when she was just three days old, leaving her parents terrified that she might never pull through.

But she did and has undergone a number of operations before becoming a beauty queen.

Yet, despite triumphing over adversity, the youngster’s mum Hazel admits Emily has still had to face false stereotypes.

“It is a common mistake for people to refer to your child as a Down’s Syndrome child,” Hazel said. “It can be slightly demeaning and, although I try not to get upset about it, I really want people to see the person behind the condition.

“Through the campaign we hope to raise awareness over social exclusion, normality and being the person she is, not putting a label on her.

“You wouldn’t call a child with diabetes a diabetes child, so why do it for someone with Down’s Syndrome?

“There is a lot of preconcieved ideas, ideas we want to try to change through many different campaigns.” Hazel, along with fellow mums Julie Telford, Tracey Farquharson and Julie Urquhart, will also be holding a ceilidh in Paisley on March 21 to raise money for two charities close to their hearts.

Any cash raised will be split between Down’s Syndrome Scotland and the Yorkhill Foundation, which has provided care for almost every one of their children.

Hazel continued: “I am so proud of my daughter. Emily has been through so much at such a young age but it has never affected her lively personality.

“Just a year ago she underwent heart surgery and now she is dancing and has done modelling ventures.

“My husband and I would never change Emily for the world. To us, she is perfect.” A VULNERABLE Paisley man who went missing has been found safe and well.

24-year-old Mujahid Nadeem was reported missing by his brother on Sunday, March 2.

His family were increasingly concerned for his wellbeing but mounting fears were put to bed when he was traced safe and well in the Paisley area.

A police spokeswoman said: “On Thursday, March 6, 24-year-old Mujahid Nadeem who had been reported missing from Paisley, was traced safe and well in the Paisley area.

“Members of the media are thanked for their assistance.”