DOWN'S SYNDROME AWARENESS WEEK 6 - 12 JUNE 2005

18/05/2005

Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week will be 6 – 12 June this year. The campaign, that aims to raise awareness of the condition, dispel common myths and allay fears, is a national initiative pioneered by the Down’s Syndrome Association. This year the the

There are a variety of events organised for all over the country including fundraising events as well as events focussed on educating people about Down’s syndrome. Events include:

Shifting Perspectives Photography Exhibition

Shifting Perspectives features the work of six photographers who all have children with Down’s syndrome. The exhibition aims to challenge attitudes and prejudices that currently exist and examines alternative representations of both adults and children with the condition.

When is it? From 3 June to 1 July at the Langdon Down Centre, Langdon Park in Teddington. The exhibition is free so feel free to drop by at your leisure.

Down’s Syndrome Association Balloon Launch:

This year to launch Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week we plan to release 1,000 green and white balloons into the air. The event is being sponsored by Eden Walk Shopping Centre and will take place Monday 6 June at 3pm at Langdon Park off Kingston Road, Teddington. The launch will be followed by a BBQ at ‘The Lion’ pub on Wick Street in Hampton Wick.

Once released the balloons can travel as far as Spain! If your balloon is found furthest away from the National Office in Teddington then you could be in with the chance to win a fabulous champagne balloon ride for two in the UK. Balloons are £5 each.

To purchase your balloon please contact Alexa in the DSA Fundraising Team on or .

When is it? 6 June at 3pm at Langdon Park on Kingston Road.

‘Songs for my Sister’ sung by Zoë Mace

Ten-year-old Zoë Mace, hailed by local media as "the next Charlotte Church" will be releasing her second charity CD, entitled Songs for my Sister, on 6 June 2005 to launch Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week and raise money for the Down’s Syndrome Association.

Zoë’s little sister, Jodie, was born four and a half years ago with Down’s syndrome and three holes in her heart. The bond between the two girls was strong from the very start and it was Jodie who inspired Zoë to use her natural talent of singing to raise money for charity.

Sadly, on 2 March of this year sister Jodie died after undergoing major heart surgery. Zoë is now more determined than ever to make the CD a success to ensure that Jodie did not die in vain and that vital funds and awareness are raised for people with Down’s syndrome all over the UK.

The CD, entitled Songs for my Sister, features a variety of music from jazz tracks to songs from your favourite musicals including My Favourite Things from the Sound of Music and Hushaby Mountain from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It will be available to buy from WH Smith, HMV, Virgin and Borders nation wide and is £10.99 RRP.

For more information about Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week or any of the events above please call the Down’s Syndrome Association on or visit the website at www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

<ends>

For further information about Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week or any of the events above please contact:Amy Darlington, Communications Officer, Down’s Syndrome Association

T: E:

NOTES TO EDITOR:

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.