The Sidcup family of Freddie Merritt have been chosen as the faces of a Jeans for Genes national charity campaign

Freddie Merritt, three, and his mum Monica, 41, appear on posters and fundraising packs for the charity which supports children with genetic disorders. They also star in an online campaign, #dreamforgenes encouraging schools to sign up for Jeans for Genes Day on September 22.

Monica, a travel agent, said: "We were delighted when we were asked to be photographed. We are incredibly proud of Freddie and want people to understand his differences rather than be scared of them.

"There are more than 4,000 genetic disorders which, with their resulting symptoms, are the biggest killer of children in this country. So Jeans for Genes is an important charity."

Monica and her husband Justian, 48, also a travel agent, discovered Freddie had the genetic disorder achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism, at a 34-week baby scan at Queen Mary's Hospital.

They were sent straight for tests at King's College Hospital, London, who confirmed the diagnosis.

Monica said: "We were so scared, I almost didn't want to be pregnant any more when we thought about what the future might hold for him. We cried ourselves to sleep every night.

"But when Freddie was born he looked so beautiful we didn't think about his size, we just fell in love with him."

Freddie was admitted to intensive care unit at five months when breathing problems caused by his condition meant his lungs collapsed.

Monica, also mum to George, six, said: "We were in and out of hospital for his first year. We thought we might lose him about three times.

"Now he is stronger we hope this will be his best yet.

"I have learned so much about his condition and try to encourage newly diagnosed parents that things aren't as scary as they seem. We are lucky to have Freddie. He is short, that's all."

Freddie was chosen by Jeans for Genes after they put out a call for families to help with publicity. A spokesperson said: "Freddie is a real character and a natural model and Monica is a fantastic inspiration for newly-diagnosed parents uncertain about their future."

In the #dreamsforgenes campaign, which asks parents with children affected by genetic disorders their dreams for their children, Monica explains hers is: "That he is known as Freddie and not defined by his condition."

To register for Jeans for Genes Day on Friday September 22nd, go to jeansforgenesday.org