A NORTHWICH children's charity is urging the community to show their support on World Down Syndrome Awareness Day.

This year marks the 13th anniversary of World Down’s Syndrome Day, which takes place on March 21.

Cheshire Down’s syndrome Support Group (CDSSG) is running the Get up for Down’s Campaign, which tasks individuals or groups with walking, running, cycling or swimming 213 miles by March 21.

On March 21, starting in Hartford, the Northwich charity will be embarking on the final 1.7-mile leg of the campaign, and are inviting residents to join them.

The charity has been supported by Roberts Bakery, which have produced gingerbread sock biscuits.

So far the charity has pre-sold £8,000 worth of biscuits into Cheshire East schools.

Schools are encouraged to get involved by selling the gingerbread sock biscuits and by asking children to wear lots of socks on March 21.

CDSSG was founded in 2007 and has gone from working with just 10 families to more than 100 throughout the borough.

Julie Duff, chief executive of CDSSG, is one of the original members of the charity, which is run by volunteers except for three paid administrative staff.

Julie joined several other mums following the birth of her son, Josh, who has Down’s syndrome.

Julie, from Northwich, said the main aim of CDSSG is to educate parents and carers about their child’s condition to push them to have high expectations, and to raise awareness of the condition to allow children affected by it to fully integrate into society.

“In 1972 children with Down’s syndrome weren’t even entitled to an education,” she said.

“People didn’t think children with Down’s syndrome had the ability to able interact and to learn, but attitudes have changed.

“People realise they are just like other kids.”

As well as hold educational sessions for parents, the charity also regularly holds talks with teaching professionals.

Laura Leather, one of the parent’s supported by CDSSG, said: “One of things that I admire most is the training and support that the group has given to teachers and teaching assistants across the county, which is being translated into outstanding practice and, in turn, is helping children with Down’s achieve some amazing results.”

Julie's son, Josh, aged 10, attends Davenham Primary school.

She said the school have gone 'above and beyond' with her son.

Julie said: “I can’t praise them enough. I have been incredibly fortunate. The school have gone above and beyond.

“It’s been an incredible journey for us and they’ve gone on it with us.”

Helen Avraam, from Whitegate, has been involved with CDSSG since the beginning.

The charity describe her as a ‘super fundraiser’.

She said being involved with the group has helped her and her son, Theo, aged 10.

“On a human level, it’s nice to know other women going through the same experience as me,” she said.

“It’s nice to be in an environment where everyone gets it. We do really help each other in the good times and the bad times.

“It’s really made a difference to my life. I can’t imagine what it would be like without them.”

For more information visit cheshiredownssyndrome.com or call 01606 246171.

If you wish to join the Get up for Down’s campaign, you can sign up for £5 per person at justgiving.com/GetupforDowns