With over 40,000 gingerbread socks sold so far, Northwich teenager Emma Harris has seen her idea raise over £20,000 for Cheshire Down’s Syndrome Support Group (CDSSG).
The fifteen year old, who has Down’s syndrome, has been presented with a local hero award, and was named ‘Young Achiever of the Year’ at a ceremony at the Mercure Chester Abbots Well hotel recently.
The award celebrates the achievements of someone under the age of 25 who has overcome difficulties to contribute to their community and make a significant difference to the lives of others.
Emma launched the gingerbread sock appeal in March 2016.
Together with her dad, Chris she approached Roberts bakery (which is based near CDSSG in Northwich) about producing gingerbread sock biscuits to be sold in the community on World Down Syndrome Day to raise funds and awareness.
Emma’s idea has helped to raise the profile of the charity which supports individuals with Down’s syndrome and their families.
Her efforts have reached more than 10,000 school children to raise awareness, and the funds generated as a direct result of Emma’s work have helped the charity continue its work to support parents and carers and unlock the potential of children with Down’s syndrome in Cheshire.
CDSSG chief executive Julie Duff commented: “We’re so proud of Emma and what she has achieved.
“The gingerbread sock biscuit campaign has been hugely successful and has helped to raise funds for our charity and awareness of Down’s syndrome in Cheshire.”
Julie added: “Our charity motto is ‘Unlocking potential’ and Emma has certainly shown her full potential. She’s a very worthy winner.”
More info about the #LotsOfSocks campaign to increase awareness of World Down Syndrome Day on 21st March can be found here.
Cheshire Down’s Syndrome Support Group was established in 2007, and is a parent-led group that is entirely self-funding.
