Inspiring 11-year-old Bobby Stevens is raising awareness for local service Together 21 by competing in the Darlington Fun Run.
As a member of Together 21 and someone with Down syndrome, Bobby is passionate about raising £200 to support a cause close to him.
Bobby is excited to represent children like himself and ensure Together 21 has the vital funds needed to benefit more children and families in the North-East.
Georgina Beckensall, project lead for Together 21, said: “Together 21 is all about learning, fun and friendship.
“We support the education and development of children and young people with Down syndrome through a range of engaging activity programmes tailored to their strengths and needs.
“We support children and young people aged 0-17 years to develop key skills, lifelong friendships and the confidence to enable them to live the life they choose.
“In addition, we provide training and support for teachers and other professionals who work with our children.
“We are so proud of Bobby for racing for a second year in support of Together 21. Choosing Together 21 as his cause shows the type of character he is, wanting to give back to a service he loves so much.
“All of this wouldn’t be possible without people like Bobby fundraising and supporting Together 21 – which is why it’s so important.”
Together 21 offers a peer support network, allowing families to connect and form friendships.
The service receives positive feedback from parents, like Bobby’s dad, saying that their children experienced increased independence, choice, and control by attending sessions.
Not only do children feel the benefit of Together 21’s specialist interactive sessions, but the families do too. In the last year, families received 2,394 hours of carer respite from utilising Together 21.
Bobby’s dad, also named Bobby, said: “I couldn’t be prouder that Bobby has chosen to race again this year.
“Supporting a cause close to his and his family’s heart shows that he is an ambassador for children like him. He is unstoppable and can take on any challenge.
“Last year, he managed to raise a total of £603 for Together 21. He knows it might be tough to do that again, but every little bit helps.”
Together 21 is delivered by health and wellbeing charity the Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) – a charity with a mission of ‘Health, Wellbeing and Learning for All.’
The race starts on High Row Sunday 4 August, Darlington at 9am.
If you would like to ‘back Bobby’ and Together 21, you can visit his JustGiving page by searching justgiving.com/page/robert-stevens-1721074106818.