This year St Mary’s staff have decided to raise money to support Down's syndrome. We are asking that, if you wish, instead of buying presents and cards for your teachers and teaching staff that you instead make a donation to this page and send us a warming Christmas message. The charity is close to our hearts as they have supported Mrs Conlon and her beautiful daughter Dorothy. 

'Dorothy was diagnosed with Down's Syndrome at 23 weeks gestation. The charity Positive About Down's Syndrome have been so supportive throughout the pregnancy and since she arrived.

They have provided us with a wealth of information and are a resource for us to lean on when (and if) she needs physio, speech and language therapy, throughout her school life and beyond. The very first step they took was to congratulate us and send us a free book, and hand knitted hat for Dot. It meant alot to have a network available to us who wanted nothing more than to celebrate with us, and this really helped to ease some of our worries.

Money raised for PADS helps them to continue to support expecting and new parents, and the children themselves. We don't know how much or little we will need to rely on them through Dotty's life, but we have had a taste of what good work they do and are so glad to see the support for them. Thank you to all the St Mary's staff for choosing PADS this year, and thank you to anyone who chooses to donate.

Merry Christmas, from Mr, Mrs and Dorothy Conlon x '

More Pads information... 

We are joining the Pounds 4 PADS challenge to help raise awareness and funds to reach more families, expectant parents and professionals. Positive about Down's syndrome, part of DSUK offers information and support to new and expectant parents of a little one with Down syndrome. Funds raised goes directly to helping families now and in the future. £100 could: - provide resources to 5 maternity unit for a month ensuring we reach expectant and new parents when they need us. - provide 2 Makaton workshops for parents or grandparents to help ease communication frustrations- a therapist for POPS programme (online Physiotherapy), empowering parents with knowledge and skills to help their little ones gain strength and independence.