HELPING PEOPLE WITH DOWN’S SYNDROME IN GOBI DESERT CHALLENGE

17/03/2005

Martin Palethorpe from Egham, Surrey will take on the challenge of a lifetime in April as he runs a 150 mile marathon in 6 days across the Gobi Desert in China to raise £10,000 for the Down’s Syndrome Association.

Martin will be running carrying all of his clothing, food, medical kit and sleeping bag in a backpack weighing 12-14kg during the six-day ultra marathon that will take him along parts of the Silk Road and the Great Wall of China. If this wasn’t gruelling enough the challenge will take place in a combination of unforgiving dry and mountainous rocky terrain and sandy desert. Temperatures will vary from 30 degrees Centigrade during the day to below freezing at night.

The Down’s Syndrome Association has been adopted by Martin as the charity he wishes to raise money for because of his Godson, Ben Griffiths who was born in 2003 with Down's Syndrome and 2 holes in his heart.

Martin said: "Ben had an extremely challenging first 12 months, spending much of his time in hospitals across the country. Thankfully, he is now well and showing much promise. I want to raise money for the Down’s Syndrome Association as there are thousands of children just like Ben in the UK alone and it is important that support is available for them and their families."

"In completing this significant challenge, my motivation and fuel for the event is to raise as much money, and awareness, as possible. I also want to be an inspiration for Ben in his life, to inspire him to live an exciting, fulfilled and normal life.

Alexa Dizon, Fundraising Events Officer for the Down’s Syndrome Association said: "Martin has taken on an amazing but gruelling challenge and we all wish him the best of luck. We are honoured that he has nominated our charity to raise money for. With an operating need of £2 million Martin’s fundraising efforts really will have a profound impact on the level of support and outreach we are able to offer people with Down’s syndrome in the UK."

Martin would like to ask readers to sponsor his challenge and help raise money for Ben and others like him by visiting his fundraising website at www.justgiving.com/palethorpe or by calling Martin on . He said: "The Down’s Syndrome Association is a small charity with a big job to do so every penny raised really will make a difference."

For more information about the Down’s Syndrome Association please call or visit www.downs-syndrome.org.uk.

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Please click here to for a photo of Martin and his Godson Ben.

 

For further information, including key facts about Down’s syndrome and guidance on appropriate language and terminology visit the ‘Press Office’ section of the Down’s Syndrome Association web-site:

www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

OR contact Amy Darlington, Communications Officer, Down’s Syndrome Association

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) is a national charity which exists to provide information and support for people with Down’s syndrome, their families, carers and those with a professional interest. It also seeks to improve knowledge and understanding and champion the rights of people with Down’s syndrome in the UK.