A CHARITY supporting more than 150 children with Down's syndrome has won three gongs at the North West Charity Awards.
Cheshire Down's Syndrome Support Group, based in Witton Street, picked up the awards on Friday, October 13, at Manchester's Principal Hotel.
As well as winning rising star in the Small Charity, Big Impact category, CDSSG scooped Young Charity Ambassador of the Year and Best Fundraising Campaign for 13-year-old Emma Harris and her dad Chris’ gingerbread socks awareness day campaign.
Since launching in 2016 it has since raised more than £20,000.
The group was founded in 2007 by a small group of Cheshire mums who all had babies with Down’s syndrome.
The charity has since grown to offer peer support, makaton training, advice and advocacy across Cheshire, raising awareness of the learning disability.
More than 40,000 gingerbread sock biscuits have been produced by Roberts bakery and sold in the community on World Down Syndrome day to raise awareness. As well as raising funds, the initiative has reached more than 10,000 Cheshire schoolchildren to teach them about Down’s syndrome.
Group CEO Julie Duff said: "We were delighted to even be shortlisted for these awards so to come away with three is wonderful for our small charity.
"Emma and Chris Harris are inspirational ambassadors. We thank them and all our members, staff, volunteers and supporters for everything they do.
"These awards are a real boost and will give us momentum to keep growing the charity to help even more people with Down’s syndrome by offering additional services and by raising even more awareness.”
The group is holding a festive shopping and beauty ladies’ evening event at Abbeywood in Delamere on November 8 to raise funds.
Tickets are £7.50 and can be purchased online here.
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