A couple of months ago a friend asked if I wanted to run the Leeds 10k race and raise money to support her charity, Sunshine & Smiles. I’ve been running for a few years now and this race will be the first time I am raising funds for a good cause.
Sunshine & Smiles is a registered charity that provides a support network in Leeds for children and young people who have Down syndrome and their families. Until they were founded by a small group of parents, Leeds did not have a support network to help children and families living with Down syndrome.
Sunshine & Smiles fulfils this important need and provides a vital role in the community. Sunshine & Smiles organise groups and events to improve the lives and opportunities of children and families living with Down syndrome in Leeds. This includes speech and language therapy, regular groups and activities, individual support and advocacy for families, as well as raising awareness and challenging preconceptions in the wider community.
Why the community needs us
Unlike other cities, Leeds did not have a support network to help children and families living with Down syndrome. Sunshine & Smiles fulfils this important need and provides a vital role in the community. We want to ensure that the support network is sustainable in the long term and that we can continue to provide support and activities to children and young people and their families. To do this we must rely on donations, grants and supporters like you.
Our impact on the community
"Sunshine & Smiles was the first group we accessed after our son was born. We were made so welcome and the sessions have had a positive impact on our son's development along with providing an invaluable information resource and support network."
