Wouldn't Change a Thing...

Cycling from my house in Mauchline (Ayrshire), to Edinburgh Castle... and back again was initially a personal challenge set to me by my wee boy. It's only 150 miles and 7,000ft elevation gain!!

However, after giving it some thought and with National Down Syndrome Day having just passed, I thought; how amazing would it be to raise some money for a worthy charity.

A good friend of mine and his wife recently gave birth to an amazing, adorable girl, Anna. Anna was born with down syndrome and it came as a massive surprise to Iain and Claire. Anna will receive nothing but unconditional love from everyone around her. That being said, the family will be faced with some challenges and Iain and Claire will without a doubt look to others for support.

I spoke to Iain who was massively supportive of my idea and thankful that I had thought about him, his family and the challenges they may be faced with. The one stand out support branch they have had so far has been a charity called "Wouldn't Change a Thing".

Wouldn't change a thing started with a little video, created for World Down syndrome Day 2018, that took social media by storm. The video was called 50 Mums | 50 Kids | 1 Extra Chromosome (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Biex1XR_mpo). It became one of the most popular not-for-profit viral videos of all time, racking up in excess of 500 million views to date and popularised the hashtag: #wouldntchangeathing. It made such a positive impact on modernising mainstream perceptions of the condition that a bunch of people involved in that initial project decided to set up this organisation to continue the mission. It has now grown to include a multi-skilled, passionate group of people from all over the world. Wouldn't change a thing are trying to achieve a world where negative outdated perceptions of Down syndrome are a thing of the past. They do this by creating and promoting projects designed to directly challenge outdated perceptions. These projects are designed to be uplifting, emotive and positive; offering insights into how enjoyable life for all those associated with the condition can be. Wouldn't change a thing' intent is to leave those who view our work feeling challenged and changed making them more willing to accept those with Down syndrome and to consider them as valid members of society, as schoolmates, as work colleagues or as employees.

My cycle will be on Saturday 5th June 2021 and I hope to complete it in around 10 hours (moving time).

This is where you can all help. Please share this link far and wide and help me raise some funds for this amazing charity. I don't have a particular target in mind but I'd love to raise at least £1,000. If I can raise more, great.

You never know when an organisation or charity like this could benefit you or a loved one.

Much Love,
T