Grace Castle, a vivacious five-year-old girl with Down’s Syndrome, has become the face of popular brands such as JD Sports, CBeebies, and River Island. Her natural charm and infectious personality have made her a favorite among clients, leading to numerous modeling opportunities.
Starting her modeling career just two years ago, Grace has already achieved remarkable success. She has secured deals with renowned clothing brands in the UK, including JD Sports and River Island, and has also appeared in advertisements for CBeebies and Children in Need.
Grace’s mother, Linda Castle, who manages a café in Garforth, couldn’t be prouder of her daughter’s achievements. She is delighted to see that well-established companies are now actively promoting diversity and inclusivity in their advertising.
Linda says, “It’s interesting how our perception of beauty has been shaped by seeing unrealistic representations of people in clothing advertisements. Grace’s friends from support groups are thrilled to see someone like them being represented. I’m proud of this positive change in the media, although there is still progress to be made in redefining what is considered normal beauty.”
Grace was diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome at birth but fortunately faces no major health complications, apart from a small hole in her heart. Linda fondly recalls the day Grace was born, saying, “Despite some mixed reactions from hospital staff, it was one of the happiest days of our lives. At eight months old, we discovered support groups online to navigate her situation. We found a group in Scunthorpe that started with dance and drama for children with learning difficulties, later becoming a modeling agency. We decided to give it a try for some fun.”
Grace quickly caught the attention of Boden, a clothing company, and was featured in their catalog after her first shoot. Linda describes it as an amazing experience.
During the recent lockdown, Grace’s bookings slowed down, but to her family’s delight, opportunities quickly resumed. Linda joyfully shares, “We were even flown to Spain for a shoot! Grace absolutely loves being in front of the camera and enjoys every moment of it. During the River Island shoots, she gets to play and participate in various activities while they capture candid photos. It’s all just for fun, and the earnings can contribute to her future.”
Grace is the youngest child of Linda and Nick Castle, and her older siblings, Josh, Kara, and Brooke, as well as her school friends, are incredibly proud of her. Linda reveals that Grace has achieved a sort of celebrity status among her peers, with everyone recognizing her and eagerly watching her TV appearances.
Grace’s story serves as an inspiration and a celebration of diversity and inclusion. It shows that beauty comes in many forms, and with the support of forward-thinking brands, the media is taking a step towards a more authentic representation of society.
