Firstly, a massive THANK YOU for taking the time to visit my Just Giving Page!!

Although I have only been a "runner" since 2010, it has always been a wish of mine to run the London Marathon. When my acceptance letter came through, I was met with very mixed emotions - happiness, excitement, elation, as well as nervousness & anticipation of the massive challenge ahead that I have just signed up to take part in.

I feel so proud & humble to have been given this opportunity, especially as now, I can achieve a lifelong dream & run in memory of my sister Chloe.

I was almost 3 years old when my sister was born. Chloe had Down Syndrome but sadly she died at just 15 days old. The day of the London Marathon 2013, will be her 25th birthday & although she cannot be there in person to cheer me on, I know that she will be with me in spirit whilst I am running, spurring me on & cheering louder than anyone.

My chosen Charity is therefore, the Down's Syndrome Association.

Below, are a few facts & information about the DSA & what they do.

Lastly, before you do read through this, I would like to ask you a MASSIVE favour....and that is to donate....pledge....sponsor...as little or as much as you can. This is a very worthy cause which has been close to my family's heart for many years now & every penny will be greatly appreciated by the Charity, and spent on providing invaluable help & support to people with Down's Syndrome, and their families, and give them the opportunity to live fulfilling, semi independent lives.

 

 

Did you know...?

• Around one in every 1000 babies born in the UK will have Down's syndrome.
• There are 60,000 people in the UK with the condition.
• Although the chance of a baby having Down's syndrome is higher for older mothers, more babies with Down's syndrome are born to younger women.
• Down's syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra chromosome in a baby's cells. It occurs by chance at conception and is irreversible.
• Down's syndrome is not a disease. People with Down's syndrome are not ill and do not "suffer" from the condition.
• People with the syndrome will have a degree of learning difficulty. However, most people with Down's syndrome will walk and talk and many will read and write, go to ordinary schools and lead fulfilling, semi-independent lives.
• Today the average life expectancy for a person with Down's syndrome is between 50 and 60. A considerable number of people with Down's syndrome live into their 60's.

 

 

Their aim

Help people with Down's syndrome to live full and rewarding lives.

Their mission

• provide information and support for people with Down's syndrome, their families and carers, and the professionals who work with them.
• strive to improve knowledge of the condition.
• champion the rights of people with Down's syndrome

 

 

£5	The cost to the DSA to produce 10 copies of one of our free resources which provides information for our new parents.
£25	Providing an hour of face to face support to a parent from one of our trained Information Officers on any aspect of living with Down's syndrome.
£100	Specialist support for four hours from our Education Officer or Welfare Benefits Adviser offering clear, helpful guidance through the regulatory mazes.
£500	Tailored, specific legal advice and assistance to uphold education and social care rights for individual cases.
£1,200	Producing and distributing 1,000 copies of our Journal, giving the latest news on all issues relating to Down's syndrome.
£2,500	An Information Exchange Day - bringing together local groups for a regional day conference allowing exchange of information, ideas and enthusiasm as well as the opportunity to hear some great speakers.
£4,000	A year's supply of top medical advice which can be offered free to our members.
£5,000	The cost to pay for a year of coaching sessions for a DSActive team (football for people with Down's syndrome).
£10,000	What it takes to maintain our helpline services for one month.