Prime Minister is one of many supporting Cheshire Down’s Syndrome Awareness Campaign

Schools, businesses, community groups and even the Prime Minister have lent their support to Cheshire Down’s Syndrome Support Group’s (CDSSG) awareness campaign this year.

52,000 gingerbread sock biscuits have been sold in the community as part of the drive that’s timed to coincide with World Down Syndrome Day today.

Local businesses supported the charity that has sold more than two and a half thousand biscuits through its Cheshire depots. Around 70 schools county-wide have been involved by selling biscuits and wearing odd socks. The charity has delivered awareness raising assemblies to around 15,000 local schoolchildren throughout March.

15-year-old Emma Harris, who is behind the North West charity award winning fundraiser, has been presented with a prestigious award from Prime Minister Theresa May. The Points of Light accolade celebrates outstanding individual volunteers who are making a change in their community.

Emma said:

“I am really happy and proud to be given this award by the Prime Minister. Selling the gingerbread sock biscuits means that Cheshire Down’s Syndrome Support Group can help people with Down’s syndrome and their families. We are selling more gingerbread socks than ever this year!”

Dog owners and their pooches marked the day with a charity dog walk that took place at Marbury Park in Northwich and fundraisers will gather at Hartford Hall on 23rd March for a 21.3-mile moochathon walk along the Whitegate Way. A mini mooch of 2.13km will take place for younger participants.

Cheshire Down’s Syndrome Support Group CEO, Julie Duff said:

“We’re overwhelmed by the positive response we’ve had this year from so many schools, businesses, community groups and individuals and we can’t thank them enough. The last 12 months have been busier than ever for our charity and we have continued to grow with two new staff, three charity awards and the launch of exciting new projects. This World Down Syndrome Day we reflect on what’s been a very busy year but we also start making plans for the days and months ahead when we will continue to do our utmost to make sure that people with Down’s syndrome fulfil their potential and are recognised as valuable, respected champions of our community.”

For more information about CDSSG or to make a donation please visit www.cheshiredownssyndrome.co.uk