From the age of 8 I have been lucky enough to experience growing up with a younger brother with Down syndrome. Daniele has inspired me and provided me with a lot of opportunities in life, from voluntary work and helping me to decide upon my profession. I have been aware of the support my parents have received and at times this has been very minimal. Whilst studying at university in Leeds I discovered a charity called Sunshine and Smiles and was fortunate enough to secure a voluntary role with them.
Sunshine & Smiles is a registered charity that provides a support network in Leeds for individuals who have Down syndrome and their families.They offer 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. The charity relies solely on donations, grants and supporters to ensure that this support network can continue to provide the best available support and activities.
When I heard about the Leeds 10K I thought this would be a brilliant way to help raise money for this amazing charity, which I have seen firsthand the positive impact it has for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the wider community. Although this will be a bit of a fitness challenge for myself, I am so proud to say that I will be running this for Sunshine and Smiles and raising awareness of Down syndrome on the 9th of July.
I am so thankful for the way Daniele has shaped my life. Although he is a terror at times which is typical of a 12 year old brother, I couldn't be more grateful for the boy he has become. Daniele has a particular love for singing, dancing and WWE. He also has a beautiful disposition and definitely never fails to put a smile on my face and I'm sure I can say for my family and I, we wouldn't change Daniele for the world.
Thank you for taking the time to visit my page, any donations would be greatly appreciated.
