Organisers of Lindley 10k 2015 have announced that Huddersfield Down Syndrome Support Group (HDSSG) will be the charity running event’s principle beneficiary in its third year.

Whilst runners are completely free to select their own charity, the event organisers will be encouraging people to raise money for the Huddersfield based support group both at the 10K and at Lindley Carnival which takes place the day before.

HDSSG was founded over 20 years ago and arranges social, sporting and educational events and activities for children with Down Syndrome and their families. It is run on a voluntary basis by parents of children with Down syndrome. The Group currently has over 50 members and is continually trying to expand the range of activities, experiences and support it can provide.

Previous beneficiaries of Lindley 10K include the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice and Whizz-kidz.

Leanne Davies from Huddersfield Down Syndrome Support Group said:
“We are delighted that Lindley Community Group has selected HDSSG to be the beneficiary of the upcoming events. We are currently fundraising to continue our programme of activities which include monthly speech therapy and hydrotherapy sessions. We are also hoping to launch a new publication to help siblings of children with Down Syndrome which will be included in our ‘new family’ packs in 2015. We are very grateful for the opportunity to raise the profile of our group and to hopefully break some common misconceptions surrounding people with Down Syndrome. With the right support, our children are achieving more than ever before and coupled with the continuing commitment of HDSSG members and families we are ensuring our children are fully included in our wonderfully diverse society!”

Lindley 10K was founded by Lindley Community Group in 2013 and continues to be organised by the Community Group Volunteers working in partnership with local schools, other community groups, local running clubs and Kirklees Integrated Youth Support.

This year the event will take place on June 28th, the day after Lindley’s annual summer Carnival. On the day there will be two runs. At 9am there will be a fun run for children between 4 and 15 years of age. Then at 9.30am the 10k will begin.

Full details of the running route and how people can get involved as a runner or helper will be made available on the 10K website http://www.lindley10k.org.uk People can also contact Cllr Cahal Burke, Chair of Lindley Community Group.

Cllr Cahal Burke – one of the founding members of Lindley Community Group – said:

“We are delighted to announce Huddersfield Down Syndrome Support Group as the main beneficiary of Lindley 10K in 2015. It’s a fantastic group run entirely by parent volunteers and they are hugely deserving of our support. Hopefully we raise a lot of money for them on the day.

Despite entering our third year, Lindley 10K still relies on the hard work and commitment of many volunteers and the backing of local businesses. Without them it simply would not happen and I ask that anyone interested in getting involved has a look at the website or gets in touch with me to find out more.

It really is wonderful event that engages the whole community in something positive whilst promoting sports and healthy living and I encourage as people, groups and businesses to get involved and help us to make this year’s 10K an even bigger success.”