Fri. Mar 29th, 2024
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A GLASGOW family have become a viral sensation on their journey to learn Makaton for their baby son.

Lucy Maguire, 27, partner Scott Bannachan, 33, and five-year-old daughter Millie are documenting their sign language efforts to communicate with tot Sonnie, aged one, who has Down syndrome.

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Lucy Maguire and daughter Millie Bannachan are on a mission to learn Makaton to communicate with tot Sonnie

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Sonnie Bannachan has Down syndrome and has already undergone 10 operations

The family, from the city’s Easterhouse, started learning Makaton last April by watching YouTube videos.

They now have 15,000 TikTok followers of their own and have racked up more than a million views with their sign language tips.

Their Signing for Sonnie page shows how to sign 147 words in Makaton in easy to follow clips, with more being uploaded as their journey continues.

And little Sonnie, who turns two next month, already knows nine signs including milk, good, yes and no. 

Lucy said: “Sonnie was born with Down syndrome. We found out at my 12-week scan he would potentially have it, and were told he might have difficulty communicating.

“So we started researching and came across Makaton, which is supposed to be easier for children to learn.

“We were only recording the videos for ourselves at first, to document our journey. Then Scott said we should start a page and it’s taken off from there.”

The mum of two added: “The reaction to our videos has been so good. We’ve received so many lovely messages. I always feel guilty because I’ve not been able to reply to them all, but there are just so many.

“Knowing we’ve already helped other parents feels great. I’ve had so many people in touch who have non-verbal children and had never heard of Makaton before. Now they’re able to communicate with them.”

As well as helping other parents and children, Lucy and Millie’s Makaton rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone – which was viewed more than a million times – even caught the attention of Celtic bosses.

They were invited along to Parkhead with plans to screen the video on a match day, but were unable to attend due to Sonnie’s hospital commitments.


I got pregnant TWO weeks after giving birth so my babies will be nine months apart…I definitely should have waited


Since birth, the Glasgow tot has overcome 10 surgeries including a 15-hour operation to repair his heart.

He has spent up to 31 days in hospital at one time but is still the “happiest boy” with legions of fans on social media – and in the wards.

Lucy told the Scottish Sun …….

Source: https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/fabulous/8473446/learn-makaton-glasgow-family-tiktok/