<p><tt><tt> <p><tt><tt>After the great success of last year's walk, where between the 100 walkers, we raised &pound;20k!, we have decided to make this an annual event. Same day - 5th June, at the same place (see poster). Even better, we now have a local support group behind us. </tt></tt><tt><tt>Please see below for all the reasons we did this last year - they still apply! </tt></tt></p> <p>Thanks again for your fantastic support!</p> <p>2010 - "40 years ago, in Feb 1970 an amazing thing happened - the Down's Syndrome<br />Association was founded. By too great a coincidence for me not to mark it,<br />I happened to be born in the same month.<br /><br />36 years later, we were blessed with Lucas, who has Down's Syndrome and is<br />a daily delight (as are our other 2, Hannah and Robert of course!).<br /><br />If he had been born 40 years ago, he would have had a very short life<br />expectancy and would probably have been institutionalised, or at least<br />faced huge prejudice. Now, thanks to the work of the DSA, he has many<br />opportunities ahead of him, including attending mainstream school in<br />September.<br /><br />Great progress has been made, but there is still a significant lack of<br />awareness and understanding about Down's Syndrome. This means that each<br />family (1 to 2 per day in the UK) facing the birth of their child with<br />Down's Syndrome, are likely to be much more challenged than they need be.<br />The DSA works, amongst many other things, to improve parental support and<br />education and I intend to raise funds to support this vital issue.<br /><br />The DSA are planning to hold at least 40 walks across the country on 5th<br />June. We are holding one in the beautiful countryside of Rossendale and<br />would be delighted if you could join us (we want at least 40 walkers) or if<br />you can't make it please do support us financially."<br /><br />Thank you in advance for your generosity.<br /><br />Rachel</p> </tt></tt></p>