A WIVELISCOMBE mother, whose nineyear-old daughter has Down’s syndrome, is on a mission to help raise awareness of the condition ahead of World Down’s Syndrome Day (WDSD) later this month.

Samantha Gee represents a charity organisation called Ups and Downs South West, based in Westonzoyland, and aims to educate younger people about what it means to have Down’s syndrome, and how people with Down’s syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities.

Her daughter, Pippa, has Down’s syndrome and Samantha hopes to go into schools in the area, to talk to children and answer any questions they might have.

“I really want to raise awareness of Down’s syndrome in a number of ways,”

she said.

“First, for parents who might be making a decision not to go ahead with a pregnancy because their child will have Down’s syndrome, and also for parents who are dealing with the birth of a child that they didn’t know had Down’s syndrome.

It can be a tough time for parents, but I want them to know that their child will be able to do so many amazing things and achieve so much.”

Pippa attends Wiveliscombe Primary School and enjoys playing with her friends, playing catch and horse riding – and Samantha says the school’s support has been ‘phenomenal’.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better school for Pippa – they’ve been phenomenal.

As our catchment school it was the natural place for Pippa to go and they have done so much to help and support her and I’m very grateful for this.

“By going into the local schools, I hope to help other children be more comfortable around people with Down’s syndrome and maybe encourage them to invite them to play with them, if they see them stood around watching.”

World Down’s Syndrome Day (WDSD) is on Saturday, March 21.