On 4th September 2016 I will be taking on a 'home made' triathlon challenge, with the help of family & friends, all based around the number 21...hence the Tri21 Challenge!
2.1km swim, 210km ride and 21km run...in 21 hours.
21 because all people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of chromosome 21...and 6 1/2 years ago our beautiful daughter Thalia was born with Down syndrome.
When Thalia was born we were determined that we would give her all the love, care and support that she would need...but also worried about what the future would hold for her.
Thalia has changed our lives just as any other child; she brings us joy, worries, frustrations, amazement...and most of all inspiration!
Without Thalia I wouldn't have been one of a group of parents who set up Sunshine & Smiles which has become such an important part of our lives. But also an important part of many other families' lives.
We have over 80 children & young people who attend our groups and activities...plus their brothers & sisters. We run 12 Speech & Language sessions each month, offer individual support and also access to free counselling & complementary therapies. We also have a monthly football session, fortnightly swimming sessions..and we are always looking to improve & develop what we offer.
But of course all of this has to be paid for and we don't pass on any charges to our families...so each year since 2014 I have committed to taking on a fundraising challenge...to put something back into the pot!
The Tri 21 Challenge is also something of a project..I would love this to become an accessible triathlon event for people who have Down syndrome..so people could choose the distances they wanted to do...we could have adapted bikes, supported swimming & running for people if needed...watch this space!
Your donation will go directly to running our groups & activities, supporting children, young people & there families..and will help to keep Sunshine & Smiles running!
