This year, so far, I have signed up for two endurance cycle races. Both of which are located in North West Ireland and include the Joe Barr 200 mile race on 27th April and the 555km Ultra Race on 14th June.

This year I have decided to fundraise as part of these events and the chosen charity is Donegal Down Syndrome.

I feel it's important to help charities at every opportunity as we all know the difficulties and challenges Charities like Donegal Down Syndrome face in raising the necessary financial resources to allow them to provide the valued services to their members and families.

Down Syndrome Donegal was created by a group of local parents of children with Down syndrome in the late 1980s and has grown to accommodate 162 members in 2018. DSD prides itself on promoting independence, choice and inclusion at all times.

They are a great charity and offer support and services to members and their families throughout Donegal ranging from speech therapy to parent-link support. Periodically they host seminars and workshops for both parents and educators in our communities. DSD is located in Letterkenny but offer some services in other areas due to the geographic nature of the County. Annually they hold celebrations for World Down Syndrome Day and Christmas which all members and their families are invited to.

They liaise regularly and keep up to date with outside agencies in the County to promote other services and activities available to their members.