Rochdale pupils rock their socks for local Down’s Syndrome charity

Pupils at Hollingworth Academy rocking their funky socks

Funky socks were the must-have addition to school uniforms across Rochdale recently, as pupils across the borough helped celebrate World Down’s Syndrome Day and fundraise for local charity DSWestPennine.

Some pupils who paid to come to school in their colourful footwear also enjoyed a giant sock shaped gingerbread biscuit, with sales of the delicious gingerbread treats taking place to raise further funds. 

Colourful, mismatched socks have become a world-wide symbol for Down’s Syndrome due to their resemblance to chromosomes viewed under the microscope, while World Down’s Syndrome Day is held annually on 21 March, to represent the fact that individuals with Down’s Syndrome have 3 copies of chromosome 21.

Moira Fields, founder and organiser of DSWestPennine, a support group for local families and individuals with Down’s Syndrome, estimates that over £4,000 will have been raised through the activity.

She commented: “We couldn’t be more grateful to all the children and schools that have taken part in Rochdale – we are astounded and touched by their generosity.  The World Down’s Syndrome Day activity is one of our main fundraisers and we are thrilled that every penny raised will be used to help local children and families.

“It is also a wonderful opportunity for us to raise some positive awareness. All schools received an assembly pack to help teachers dispel some of the myths around the condition and help the children understand that individuals with Down’s Syndrome can lead lives as happy and fulfilling as their own.”

DSWestPennine runs monthly meetings, where families can socialise and offer each other mutual support, while their children access free hydrotherapy and speech and language therapy sessions and enjoy a variety of crafts and more energetic activities. There is also a special group for siblings and new families, who have a child with Down’s Syndrome, are always more than welcome.

The charity also offers help and advice to new parents receiving both antenatal and postnatal diagnoses of the condition; and it has helped implement the Down’s Syndrome Association’s ‘Tell it Right’ training course to ensure that local maternity staff have a greater understanding of the condition and are able to better deliver a diagnosis and advise about the prenatal screening programmes.

For further information, or to attend one of the groups, please contact: dswestpennine@hotmail.co.uk