A CHARITY supporting 390 families of children with Down Syndrome across the Bradford district and beyond is to host a major fundraising event as it expands its work across the region.

The Down Syndrome Training and Support Service Ltd, based at the Pamela Sunter Centre in Bingley, offers a host of training courses for parents and carers, alongside developmental groups for children themselves.

The organisation, which is funded solely by donations and a grant from the Big Lottery Fund, is hoping people will support its inaugural 'Night at the Races' fundraising dinner, taking place at the Great Victoria Hotel in Bradford on Friday, June 5.

Cheryl Jenkinson, chairman of the charity's board of directors, started attending classes when her son Alexander, who has Down Syndrome, was only seven-weeks-old.

"The event is not just about raising funds, its about raising awareness as well, emphasising there is no need for a stigma around Down Syndrome anymore," she said.

"When I was told about Alexander having the condition in the middle of my pregnancy, it was a big shock.

"But, reading about what went on here was so encouraging, and when I started coming, it was a real lifeline.

"The diagnosis is still treated negatively by some health professionals, which is something we're working to change, but parents need to realise it's not the end, it's the beginning.

"Meeting other people in the same situation, and seeing children with Down Syndrome who had grown up and done things like going to college really took the fears away."

The charity was founded in 2000 by Dr Wendy Uttley, who now delivers a range of ten training courses aimed at parent and carer groups, alongside health and education professionals.

She is liaising with other support groups outside Yorkshire in an attempt to create a consistent approach for intervention activities across the north of England.

"In older generations, children with down syndrome were not seen, they were just hidden away somewhere," she said.

"Our push is to put children in the mainstream, as it doesn't just benefit them, it benefits society.

"Our drive is for them to be seen and be included.

"There is still a massive need for training to reduce people's fears of dealing with Down Syndrome and any stigma that is still out there.

"Even though I've been doing it a long time, it still feels like early days sometimes, and for every family you manage to get in touch with, there's another one out there struggling along.

"We never turn anyone away, and some families travel from more than two hours away to see us.

"Some parents are still terrified to ask for help, but the interventions really can make a difference, and the sooner they get involved, the more effective they can be."

Tickets for a 'Night at the Races' - which includes a drinks reception, three-course meal, race night, raffle, and disco - cost £25, will all proceeds going to the charity.

For further details, call 01274 561308.