MEMBERS from Down Syndrome Cheshire were invited to a reception at 10 Downing Street last week to mark World Down Syndrome Day 2024 (WDSD2024) and commemorate the Down Syndrome Act 2022.
The Down Syndrome Act originated from a private member’s bill submitted by Dr Liam Fox MP in the summer of 2021 and completed its journey through the Houses of Parliament and received Royal Assent on the 28 April 2022. Down Syndrome Cheshire then undertook a consultation of over 200 people in the region who provided their contributions as a call for evidence for the bill.
Minister for Mental Health and Women’s Health Strategy Maria Caulfield hosted the reception in Downing Street to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day and the Down syndrome Act 2022. Those attending the reception included Sir Liam Fox, Ken Ross and Tommy Jesse. Channel 4’s reporter Reuben Reuter also interviewed Minister Caulfield.
Chair of the charity Julie Duff explains: “March 21st is a really important date for us as it represents the three copies of chromosome 21 which is unique to people with Down syndrome.”
“To have been invited to no.10 to celebrate the Down Syndrome Act 2022 was enormously significant. Our members have played a key part in the consultation process by contributing their lived experience to the guidance that will help to shape the Down Syndrome Act.
“We’re so proud and privileged that the National Down Syndrome Policy Group asked us to be a part of this life-changing consultation for our members and we celebrated in style on the most important day of the year for our members.”
Back in Cheshire hundreds of supporters donned their crazy socks and sold the charity’s award winning sock biscuits. From members of Sale Rugby Club to Northwich ladies planking for 213 minutes every day in the run up to WDSD24, dozens of schools and businesses across the region. Why socks? The idea was created because chromosomes look like socks. People all over the world wear crazy, colourful socks to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day.
Julie concludes: “A huge heartfelt thank you once again to all of our supporters who make this such a special and colourful day across the region fundraising for and celebrating with our community.”
There’s still time to support the charity in this ground-breaking year – visit https://www.dscheshire.org.uk/wdsd24
