I first met the magical Ailith just over 8 years ago, walking in the woods near our houses in Leeds, when I was pregnant with Bella and she was pregnant with Thalia. When Thalia was born, Ailith and her husband Kevin found out that she had Down Syndrome. There wasn't a support network in Leeds to help children and families living with Down Syndrome, so with other parents they set up their own, 'Sunshine and Smiles', now a registered charity running many activities, from baby groups to a cafe employing young adults with Downs Syndrome. Since Sunshine and Smiles was set up, Ailith has undertaken many fundraising challenges including inventing her own Triathlon, Tri 21! This February, Thalia will be 9 and it's my turn to raise money for Sunshine and Smiles by running my first half marathon. As you probably know, 5 years ago I broke my pelvis so feel very grateful for my health and to be even thinking about running a half marathon for Sunshine and Smiles.
