Dear Hero Golfers and Glamorous Lunchers

The 19th annual Down's South London golf day and gala lunch is finally upon us!

I am delighted to report that despite the general economic uncertainties of the last year that persist, not least possibly the most adverse charity fundraising environment of the last 25 years, Down’s South finds itself in robust and resilient health. We have been blessed with incredible donors to match the ceaselessly wonderful fundraising efforts of the families and children we support.

Like last year Ru, himself a DSL alum, will be away at Derwen College (www.derwen.ac.uk) in Shropshire where he is in his final term studying hospitality and catering! So far in his eight terms at Derwen, he has moved to a bungalow with one other student - their most independent accommodation, is working hard in their Premier Inn and cafe, plays sport for the College most weeks and has completed his DofE Gold Award. His Gold Celebration party at Buckingham Palace in May, when he chatted with the Duke of Edinburgh for a second time, was incredible!

While he cannot be with us today, he has assured us that next year, when he hopes to be working back in Wandsworth, he will do his utmost to join us - that will be the 20th golf day and promises to be a spectacular affair.

The DSL therapy Ru received in his own early years remain fundamental to everything we are so proud of him for achieving. He was able to thrive at his primary school (and still hangs out with his old school friends) and have a hugely successful secondary education. His ability to concentrate and express himself were first learned at Down's South and are the bedrock of his achievements today.

Down's South London provides free therapy and support to children with Down's and their families that is unavailable anywhere else. Our families are, by a clear majority, fighting every day to make ends meet, so having this therapy is life changing - not just for the child, but the families too. Our highly successful Stay-&-Play events run on regular Saturdays during term time provide further support and experience sharing to families.

So, any support, whether financial or as auction prize donation, that you can show will be hugely appreciated.

Thank you for your years of collectively amazingly generous support. Every penny really does make a difference.