Portsmouth Down syndrome charity challenge sees 48 supporters raise more than £40,000 for specialist services

Supporters of Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association have raised more than £40,000 through a month-long event which saw people running, baking, swimming and more to bring in much-needed funds for specialist services.

The T21 Challenge, named after trisomy 21 which is the medical term for Down syndrome, took many forms as challengers could choose anything they wanted to do with the number 21 for their fundraiser.

In total, 48 different challengers took part in a wide variety of activities, some being members of the charity and some just keen to support a local service.

Creative tasks ranged from 21 winter sea swims to running 210km in the month to 21 mile-walks from some of teenage members, or baking 21 brownies.

Rachael Ross, charity chairman, said: ‘When we said use your imaginations our T21 challengers didn’t disappoint! You swam, ran, walked, crawled, pogoed, cycled, windsurfed, skateboarded… traversing thousands of miles, you baked cakes, organised raffles, lifted weights, signed and sang, knitted bears, made puzzles, modelled mankinis, and the sponsorship is still rolling in.

‘Thank you to everyone who took part throughout October, raised awareness, cheered and supported, making our T21 Challenge such a huge success.’

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Andrew Osborne was one of the daring challengers who ran 210km throughout October for the charity, which has supported his family since three-year-old son Teddy was diagnosed with Down syndrome.

Andrew said: ‘The charity supported us from the moment that Ted was diagnosed when he was three weeks old. At a time when we felt lost and unsure, the charity stepped in, supported us and has been there ever since.

‘I ran 210km this month to raise money and awareness – I know that the specialist services the charity provides make a huge difference to Ted, and our whole family. Thank you everyone for sponsoring and cheering me on.’

Ellen Leigh, whose five-year-old son George did a counting challenge, said: ‘A huge thank you to all your T21 Challengers 2020 and supporters. Not only have we raised an incredible amount to help our families but we have really demonstrated what our charity is about. inclusion, support and fun!’

Visit portsmouthdsa.org for more information or to donate.

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