World Down Syndrome Day (March 21) is a global event whereby people wear odd socks to raise public awareness.. Why socks? Well, because chromosomes look like socks and people with Down’s syndrome have an extra chromosome. Down’s syndrome, also known as Down syndrome or Trisomy 21, is a chromosomal abnormality that typically causes some level of learning disability and certain physical characteristics.
Many schools, colleges and universities around the world and within the UK will be wearing colourful socks that can either be from home or bought from Down’s Syndrome Association, as part of fundraising for the charity who support families and people living with Down’s Syndrome.
Local school, St John the Baptist has been showing it’s support as pupils proudly wore odd socks to school today to raise money for local charity Andover Twenty1. Rosie Barnett, who has Down’s Syndrome, is a pupil at the school and her mum Hannah Barnett is a member of the Andover Twenty1 community group. Hannah said:
Andover Twenty1 is a well established community group that hosts regular coffee mornings for families with a child with Down’s Syndrome, as well funding vital early development groups and school outreach services. Last year I raised money for the Down’s Syndrome Association, by shaving my head(!), but this year we are fundraising for the local services co-ordinated by Andover Twenty1.
Anna Fauvelle, of Andover Twenty1, commented:
World Down Syndrome Day 2019 has been amazing! We have had a record number of schools taking part all helping to raise vital funds for Andover Twenty1 to facilitate our regular support groups and educational services. We’ve also been delighted to have been invited into many schools to talk to the children about Down Syndrome. We are feeling blessed to be in the midst of such a great community.
If you or a member of your family have Down Syndrome and would like to become a member of Andover Twenty1 or you would like to donate. You can contact them on andovertwenty1@gmail.com, or on social media. (Facebook & Twitter).
Photo: Rosie Barnett and pupils wearing odd socks as St John the Baptist School support World Down Syndrome Day!
Photo Gallery:
1. & 2. Rosie Barnett, pupils and Headteacher Mrs Whatley showing their support for World Down’s Syndrome Day 2019
Others Rosie Barnett and pupils showing their support for World Down’s Syndrome Day 2019