A NORTHWICH teenager helped raise £4,000 for charity.

Emma Harris, 13, and her dad, Chris’ efforts saw 9,180 gingerbread sock biscuits sold to raise funds for Northwich-based Cheshire Down’s Syndrome Support Group (CDSSG).

More than 36 schools across Cheshire purchased a whopping 8,000 biscuits, which were made by Roberts Bakery, in aid of World Down Syndrome Day.

Emma’s efforts helped raise £4,100, 87.

Emma, who has Down’s syndrome, said: “I am so happy that we were able to sell so many biscuits.

“I have enjoyed visiting the factories where the biscuits were produced and seeing how they were made.”

Emma and Chris wanted to increase awareness of Down’s syndrome in Cheshire, while also raising money for the charity to thank them for their support over the last 10 years.

Chris said: “Down’s syndrome occurs when there is an addition copy of chromosome 21 in a person’s DNA.

“When you look at a chromosome under a microscope, it looks like a pair of socks back to back. Socks are the mascot if you like for Down’s syndrome worldwide.”

Cheshire Down’s Syndrome Support Group was founded in 2007 and has gone from working with just 10 families to more than 100 throughout the borough.

In total, CDSSG raised more than £15,000 on World Down Syndrome Day through various fundraising activities.

These include the sock biscuit sale, a charity golf day, individual sponsored challenges or pledged a donation.

The charity also ran a Get Up For Down’s campaign, which tasked individuals or groups with walking, running, cycling or swimming 213 miles.

The money raised through all of the fundraising will be used to unlock the potential of more people with Down’s syndrome throughout Cheshire.

Julie Duff, chief executive of CDSSG, said “We are overwhelmed by the success of the gingerbread sock biscuits.

“A huge thank you to both Emma and Chris for coordinating the whole operation, I know it was a massive task.

“We look forward to getting more schools involved next year.”

“I would also like to thank everyone who got involved in World Down Syndrome Day and for their continued support year on year.”

Cllr Liz Durham, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for children, said: "I would like to congratulate Emma and the rest of the team for their creativity and hard work in raising much needed funds for this important charity.”