Huddersfield Down Syndrome Support Group
By Irene Hirst – Accounts Manager Sanderson Associates
The 21st March 2013 marks the 8th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day, a global awareness day which has been recognised by the United Nations since 2012.
My eldest grandson Jack has Down Syndrome and recently embarked on an experience none of us will forget in a hurry.
The weekend at the start of half term week saw us set out on an exciting trip to London with Jack and his family. Jack, as a result of modelling for a new council project and also for the new ‘all about me’ gallery at Eureka Children’s Museum, was asked along to The Langdon Down Centre in Teddington – home of the Down’s Syndrome Association, to join other child models with Down Syndrome with the aim of creating a striking image to publish in the press that would help raise awareness and promote equality/inclusion within advertising.
The shoot took place in the historical and stunning Normansfield Theatre which was established in 1868 by Victorian Physician Dr John Langdon Down (the founder of DS) as a family home and a place where people with learning disabilities could be cared for and educated.
The photo along with a short text about each child model featured in The Sun last Wednesday and will shortly feature in the Daily Mail in the run up to World Down Syndrome Day. Jacks mum, Leanne, is Communications Officer for Huddersfield Down Syndrome Support Group and with the assistance and support of Sanderson Associates IT team, created and launched the groups website.
Sanderson Associates continue to support the Huddersfield Down Syndrome Support Group with continued sponsored hosting of the Groups website on our server along with back up IT support when required.