Just over two and a half years ago a little man with a little something extra came into our lives and we were smitten with him, our darling nephew Alfred, who was diagnosed with Down Syndrome shortly after
he was born.  

Alf hasn’t stopped enriching our lives and opening our eyes ever since. With his sunniest of sunny dispositions, his infectious hearty giggle and cheekiest of smiles, there’s nothing life can throw at you that won’t be made easier with a grin, a kiss and a round of applause from Alf- not even a half marathon (we hope!!)

On Sunday 8th October Team Alfred, in the form of Aunt Phil and Godmother Aunt Mary, will be running the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon to raise money for Down Syndrome Research Foundation UK.

DSRF has been getting medical research underway in the UK for Down
Syndrome for 20 yrs. They have gained tremendous scientific data &
knowledge during that time. DSRF share all findings with parents & medical professionals so they are able to implement & integrate changes quickly into their child’s life. This research helps the parents, professionals & public to have a better understanding of DS & the impact that nutrition & lifestyle can have on wellbeing & quality of life through preventative measure. 

For more information: http://www.dsrf-uk.org/

Understanding of DS has advanced enormously in recent years; life expectancy has increased from just 12 in the 1960s to 65 today, and many people with DS grow up to have very fulfilled lives.  There have also been remarkable advances in understanding the genetic basis of some of the characteristics of DS, as genomes have been sequenced and neuroscience techniques have advanced. However, there is still a long way to go – the majority of people with DS develop Alzheimer’s disease in their 30s or 40s and most still face huge challenges in living independent lives. Meanwhile, research into DS is seriously underfunded, with less than £50 spent on research per person (compared to an estimated £1,800 for cystic fibrosis). 

Our hope and belief is that the work of DSRF can and will continue to positively impact Alf’s life and the lives of others like him, just as he has so wonderfully enhanced our lives.

Thank you!

Mary & Pippa

xxx