Inca Trail trek for Down's Syndrome Association NI

The day my son was born mine and my families lives became infinitely better. We were given the gift of a child who would forever bring endless joy, happiness, laughter, love and silliness into our lives. This is of course the case with the birth of any child, but with the addition of his extra special chromosome he opened up our ability to truly embrace the silliness of life that most of us adults forget as we get older.

The Down's Syndrome Association of Northern Ireland have provided so much help and support to us over the past nine years, and they continue to do so. We were offered support through a new parents day where we were able to meet with specialists in areas of support that our son was going to need. They have provided classes in Makaton sign language for all family members so that all of us have the ability to communicate with my son. They also provide extra support with regards to speech and language therapy specifically for those with Down's Syndrome.

They are there for the parents and children and adults who have down's syndrome in any supportive way needed from the beginning and beyond.

These are just some areas where they have supported us as a family, but their offer of support is far greater, and due to this I want to give back to them in a way that I can.

This is why I will be taking part in a trek along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This will be one of the biggest challenges of my life, not only physically but also mentally and emotionally, as this will be the longest I have been away from my son. I feel that this charity deserves all the help and support that we can give as it pales in comparison to what they do.

I am so incredibly grateful for any and all support from you.

So much love, Fiona