PictureTrustee Sonia Jones presents grant to members of the Down’s Syndrome North Yorkshire Support Group

More than 70 members of the Down’s Syndrome North Yorkshire Support Group are heading off to the Flamingo Land Theme Park, thanks to a grant from the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation.

The grant will pay for the visit by the Group which is run by parent volunteers for all people with Down’s syndrome and their family carers who live in North Yorkshire.

The Foundation was approached by the Harrogate Poker League which was raising funds for a series of events for the Down’s Syndrome Support Group, including a ten-pin bowling trip and a visit to the Christmas pantomime.

Paul Underwood of the Harrogate Poker League, which has 1,700 members said: “We nominated the Support Group for a grant as it is one of the charities we have supported for some years. This grant means we can focus our attention on some of the other events that are so important to this group.” 

Among those taking part in the trip on Saturday 22 September is 19-year-old Matthew Constable, whose mother, Sheila, is one of the organisers. Matthew said: “I am looking forward to lots of things but especially the dodgems and the scary rides!”

The day-long visit will allow members to visit the zoo and experience the rides before a light meal and the trip home.