Not only was Friday March 21st Comic Relief Day but it was also World Down Syndrome Day and St Michael’s C of E Primary School in Aldbourne organised a fund raising event for both these important charities. Students, staff, friends and families raised a whopping £900.
A spokesman from the school said, “Children were invited to come into school wearing non-school uniform with their odd/standout socks to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day as well as Comic Relief. The children ran x7 laps of our dedicated running track with parents, friends and families alike to raise money for these important charities. Bacon sandwiches and teas/coffees were earnt by all on the playground afterwards! We raised a total of £900 for these important charities and the children all had great fun.”
World Down Syndrome Day is on 21 March every year. It is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The goal is to help people understand and support those with Down syndrome better.
The date of the 21st day of the 3rd month was chosen to represent the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. People wear odd socks on World Down Syndrome Day to symbolize the uniqueness and individuality of people with Down syndrome, as the extra chromosome in Down syndrome (Trisomy 21) is visually represented by the mismatched socks.
Bell Ringers of St George’s Preshute and the Quarter Peel ring
