Down Syndrome Group thanks Everest Challenge
THE Guernsey Down Syndrome Group has thanked everyone who took part in this year’s Val des Terres Everest Challenge this year.
As the group marked today’s World Down Syndrome Day, it was able to celebrate knowing that it will receive 30% of the funds raised from the challenge.
The Smile for Georgie Foundation was the recipient of all proceeds, and made an early decision to give 30% to the Down Syndrome charity.
‘The Down Syndrome Group would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has walked or run the Everest Challenge this year and to Smile for Georgie,’ said Helen O’Hara from the Guernsey Down Syndrome Group.
‘The donations allow us to bring over a lovely lady from the UK who works in Down Syndrome education. She comes into the schools, nurseries and colleges to show different skills and learning techniques for teachers for students with Down Syndrome.’
The challenge saw islanders asked to trek up the Val des Terres 115 times, which is the equivalent elevation to climbing Mount Everest. The route took participants up Le Val des Terres, down George Road, past the Dorset Arms, and back down to Havelet.
Ms O’Hara was part of a team, which also included her children Fletch and Sibbie, who completed between 15 and 20 laps each.
She hopes that next year they would aim to complete a lap a day without a set time frame so her children can complete the challenge themselves.
‘Fletch has only been able to walk for the past three years and he’s now walking up the Val des Terres,’ said Ms O’Hara.
‘He’s been through about five operations because he couldn’t walk and now he actually wants to walk up the Val des Terres by himself.’
Guernsey celebrations for World Down Syndrome are not going ahead this year for Covid reasons, but Ms O’Hara hoped that everyone would still celebrate in their own little groups – and remember to wear different coloured socks.
World Down Syndrome Day
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