Families from Cornwall to Northern Ireland unite for nationwide Down syndrome awareness campaign

Families from Saltash in Cornwall to Dromara in Northern Ireland have already raised more than £11,000 this October for Down Syndrome UK’s Big PADS Push, a campaign bringing communities across the UK together to mark Down syndrome awareness month.

Among those taking part is Karen Dickinson, who is walking with her grandson Johnny in Dorset. Just four years old, Johnny only began walking independently a year ago – making their 2.1-mile challenge a milestone in more ways than one.

Karen said:

“I have been part of the DSUK family since Johnny was born in 2020. While my daughter’s pregnancy flagged up a few things, we didn’t have a firm diagnosis until he was two days old. I immediately joined the grandparents’ group and sent my daughter the link for the new parents’ group. Since then DSUK has been a huge support to our whole family and I try and support them financially in return whenever I can. That’s why we’re doing the 2.1-mile walk. Johnny has only been walking properly for a year so it will be a huge achievement for him.”

Elsewhere in Chelmsford, Essex, a group of mums have formed The Extra Sparkle Squad to host their own Big PADS Push on Sunday 26 October. Families will walk, run, cycle, skate, push buggies and even ride-on toys along a 2.1-mile route through Great Waltham to celebrate their children and raise funds.

The organisers said:

“We are looking forward to getting everyone together and celebrating how amazing our little ones are, whilst raising funds for DSUK. From expectant parent groups to heart buddies and online communities, DSUK has been there for us from the beginning. We want to raise funds to say thank you but also so that they can continue offering the amazing services that they do.”

Down Syndrome UK hopes the Big PADS Push will continue to grow throughout October, with more families setting up their own challenges and events in their local communities. The funds raised will help the charity to deliver more training and support families.

Natasha Aidinyantz, Fundraising and Marketing Manager at DSUK said:

“We are thrilled to see families from Cornwall to Northern Ireland embracing the Big PADS Push this October. Each event is a celebration of children with Down syndrome and the communities that surround them. The money raised will help us continue offering vital support and resources to families nationwide.”

Journalists are invited to attend The Extra Sparkle Squad’s event in Great Waltham, Chelmsford, on Sunday 26 October. The 2.1-mile walk, run and buggy push will bring together local families and provide excellent opportunities for photography and interviews. Please contact Natasha Aidinyantz to arrange attendance.

To support the Big PADS Push, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/the-big-pads-push-2025

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Notes to editors

• Down Syndrome UK (DSUK) is a national charity providing support, information and training for families, schools and professionals.
• The Big PADS Push is part of Down syndrome awareness month (October), with families across England taking part in fundraising and awareness challenges. PADS stands for Positive About Down Syndrome.
• More information: https://downsyndromeuk.co.uk/support-us/down-syndrome-awareness-month/
• Press contact: natasha@downsyndromeuk.co.uk