AN “unbreakable army of parents” whose children have a genetic condition have joined forces to launch their very own charity.
The Candles Down Syndrome Support Group, based in Colchester, has been started up by a team of mums looking to make a difference.
The aim of the organisation is to give the members’ sons and daughters more opportunities to have fun, thrive and socialise with more people.
Aimed at both new and existing parents whose children have Down Syndrome, the group will also offer vital assistance and advice in a safe environment.
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Charlotte Larcom, who has three sons, Tommy, 2, Ray, 4, Christopher, 6, is one of the founders of the Candles Down Syndrome Support Group.
She said: “We all have experience raising an extra special child who brings such joy to our lives and amazes us every day with their strength and resilience.
“Although people with Down Syndrome all have a degree of learning disability, they have the same rights and needs as everyone else.
“Every one of our families faces the challenge of our children not being able to access the most basic levels of support, leaving children hugely disadvantaged.
“We face discrimination but feel passionate about educating so people with Down Syndrome are understood and treated as the valuable individuals that they are.
“Change is coming but we still have a long way to go.”
One parent who is part of the charity is Kerrie Chadwick, 34, whose five-year-old daughter has Down Syndrome.
She said: “Raising a child with Down Syndrome is a roller-coaster but the highs definitely outnumber the lows.
“We have had a lot of challenges, mainly fighting for the services my daughter needs but it has never been lonely and she is such a happy and confident girl.
“The Down Syndrome community is amazing; it is like a massive extended family and we have made some great lifelong friends and I am so glad to have met these mums.
“Support, especially in the early days of parenthood is vital, so when Charlotte came up with the idea of starting up our own charity, I was more than happy to help.”
To donate to the Candles Down Syndrome Support Group or find out more visit gofundme.com/f/colchester-down-syndrome.
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