Great South Run for Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

So this is it, this is the year Mr. B is going to run 10 miles for charity.  It is his first time, not through want of trying - he's signed up a few times now but had to pull out due to injury etc, but hopefully this time it'll actually happen!

Now Mr. B is a fan of running, not quite as much as his daughter (crazy lady!) but he does enjoy pounding those pavements and to complete this run is something he has on his bucket list.  The race is in 5 short weeks and from what I can see, training is going well!!

Now alongside doing this run, Mr. B is also collecting for charity.  He has chosen to run for a charity very close to our families heart and that is Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association - http://www.portsmouthdsa.org/

So let me tell you a little bit about why this is his chosen charity. 

Around 10 years ago, my cousin and his wife gave birth to a very lovely little boy called Ethan. Ethan is their first child and he is just beautiful.

He's growing into a lovely young lad; he loves school and drama, playing with his friends, he especially loves all his cousins and of course giving his mum and dad some cheek occasionally!

He's currently in his last year of junior school getting ready for the transition to senior school.  

Ethan is no different to you and I, he likes to have fun, partake in outdoor activities, he likes to watch musicals and he loves spending time with his family. 

Shortly after he was born, my cousin and his wife were given the information that Ethan was indeed a very special little boy and he in fact is rocking an extra chromosome! Ethan has Down Syndrome, he is not a Downs child, or anything other derogatory people can or may say, his make up is just a little different to some other people, but you know what - let's celebrate individuality, difference and diversity, it's a beautiful thing. 

Ethan is just amazing, there is nothing he can't do or won't try. He knows he has Down Syndrome and that this can make people think he looks or is different, his parents have explained this to him and this won't stop him doing whatever he wants to in life; some things he is really good at and others he has to try harder to learn than other people.

The learning Ethan does and the support his family and school receive is where Portsmouth DSA come in to the equation. 

Through Portsmouth DSA (footprints) Ethan benefits from speech therapy, drama classes and social events for children with Down Syndrome. They also provide Ethan's school with expert advice, which is invaluable and they are currently helping with his transition to senior school. To be able to do all of this, the service requires vital funds and we are very honoured to be able to raise funds for them in any way we can!

So with all this said, Mr. B will be running 10 miles, I will be making my way round 5km with Ethan's grandad. Ethan's mum will be running 10 miles and Ethan will be running the junior run of 2.5km after completing the 1.5km for the the last 4 years.

So if you'd consider sponsoring us - any of us, we'd be most grateful!!

Here is Mr. B's link, and if you have any questions - please don't hesitate to ask 💜

Virginmoneygiving.com/AndrewBarcroftBarney 

Thanking you in advance, Mrs B xx