Manchester-born rap sensation Aitch, real name Harrison James Armstrong, has embarked on his I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! journey with a purpose far greater than reality TV fame. The artist, who entered the Australian jungle in the show's Sunday evening launch on ITV, is using his platform to champion awareness for people with Down syndrome, a cause deeply personal to him through his 13-year-old sister, Gracie.
A Sister's Lasting Impact
Behind the hit singles and millions of fans, Aitch credits his younger sister with keeping him grounded. He shares an unbreakable bond with his twin sisters, Gracie and Hattie, who are ten years his junior. Gracie, who has Down syndrome, has profoundly shaped the person he is today.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Aitch explained his mission: "I'm not only just doing it for people with Down syndrome, I'm doing it for people around as well." He passionately wants to dismantle the stigma, stating, "I don't want anyone to be disheartened or feel s*** if they do find out someone in the family's got Down syndrome. It's a blessing."
He elaborated on the common but misguided reaction he hopes to change: "I don't want anyone to go like, 'oh yeah, my kid's got Down syndrome, or my sister's got Down syndrome' and anyone to have the reply of, 'Oh, I'm sorry to hear that' because it's just definitely not the case. They're the best people in the world."
Lessons in Love and Humanity
During a candid appearance on Jamie Laing's Great Company podcast in June, Aitch opened up about the profound lessons Gracie has taught him. "I wouldn't even be half the person I am if she wasn't here," he admitted, recalling a touching bedtime ritual where Gracie would grab his face and say, "Harrison, don't be afraid."
This relationship has fundamentally altered his worldview. "It's taught me, and this sounds bad, but it taught me more to treat everyone the same," Aitch explained. "And to understand that everyone is a human."
From Music to Mount Kilimanjaro: A History of Advocacy
Aitch's advocacy is not a new development. He is an official ambassador for the Down’s Syndrome Association and has consistently used his career to support the community. In a powerful musical tribute, he dedicated his song "My G" to Gracie, with all proceeds from the track being donated to the charity.
The song's lyrics, "Baby, live your best life, you shouldn't grow by force. All in your own time, G, the globe is yours," serve as an empowering message to his sister. The accompanying music video, which featured a cameo from Ed Sheeran, began with a touching title card: "This song is dedicated to Gracie Armstrong. You have the biggest heart in the world! Don't change for no one. Love you kid x."
His commitment extends beyond music. Earlier this year, Aitch undertook a challenging six-day climb up Mount Kilimanjaro, successfully raising over £120,000 for the Down’s Syndrome Association. In an Instagram post ahead of the climb, he wrote, "My sister Gracie lights everyone's world up every time she meets someone and people like her deserve equal opportunities just like me and you."
As for his I'm A Celebrity debut, Aitch kept it a secret from his biggest fan, Gracie, fearing her excitement would lead to a spoiler. "My Gracie thinks I'm going to LA because she's a chatty mouth," he joked, confident that she will be "buzzing" to see him on the show she loves.
The rapper also voiced his strong opinions on current UK abortion laws, which allow termination for a baby with Down syndrome up to birth. "I've just learned certain things over the years that make me a bit sad," he said, highlighting the disparity in time limits compared to other pregnancies.
By entering the jungle, Aitch is transforming a popular entertainment show into a platform for a vital conversation about disability, acceptance, and the positive impact that individuals with Down syndrome have on their families and the world.
