Whitworth students raise money for World Down Syndrome Day

Michael Simpson and Gabriella Greenwood wearing odd socks for World Down Syndrome Day

An amazing £340 was raised by Whitworth Community High School students who wore odd socks and ate gingerbread on 21 March.

The fundraiser was for World Down Syndrome Day and students were invited to don their brightest pair of odd socks for a £1 donation.

At break, Gabriella Greenwood and Michael Simpson, who both have Down Syndrome, sold gingerbread socks and home made cupcakes. They literally went like hot cakes.

Gabriella, 12, said: “We had lots of people lining up waiting for us to start selling. There were many people who came and we had sold everything in about 10 minutes.”

Michael, 11, said: “It was a bit scary because there were so many people.”

He said he enjoyed maths at school and music and he has keyboard lessons.

Gabriella is also a fan of music lessons. She plays the ukulele in school and also sings in the choir.

All of the money raised was donated to DSWestPennine, a local charity helping children with Down Syndrome achieve their potential.