A PARENT-run charity for children with Down’s Syndrome and their families is holding its first ever charity ball to fundraise for their vital work.

Hands Up for Down’s supports children across Carmarthenshire and Swansea, providing essential therapies - such as speech and language therapy and physiotherapy - in order to help develop and promote core life skills.

Their fundraising goal for the event is to raise vital funds to continue this work into 2018 and beyond.

The group was born in May 2014 and is?now a fully registered charity supported by the National Lottery and Children In Need funding.

The aim of the ball is to raise the profile of Hands Up For Down’s and also raise awareness of what it is like to live with Down’s Syndrome today within the community.

The group is committed to promoting a positive approach to the physical wellbeing and learning and development of its members; thus gently showing that each and every child can reach their full potential with help and support.

The ball will be taking place on October 14 at the National Waterfront Museum, Swansea.

Charity spokesperson, Louise Dent said: “With a night full of fun, laughter, and dancing, guests will enjoy cocktails, a delicious three course meal and live music from Swansea legends Joe Schmo.

“Kevin Johns will be guest host for the evening and will run the charity auction with many wonderful prizes donated from a number of generous local businesses such as Morgan’s Hotel, The Plough & Harrow, Glamorganshire Golf Club, the Cardiff Devils, The King’s Head Hotel and many more.”

Louise, who’s daughter Rosalie is supported by the charity, said: “Rosalie is currently two and we have been attending Hands Up for Down’s since she was 15 months old.

“Although Rosalie’s diagnosis was a surprise, it is now the shining point if our lives.

“She is smart, funny and a joy to be around.

“It has been great to be able to meet parents in a similar situation to our own and through the work of the charity Rosalie has been able to access weekly speech and language sessions, physiotherapy sessions, swimming lessons and gymnastics sessions.

“We have also been able to learn Makaton sign language through the charity which has really helped us to communicate with Rosalie as her speech develops.

“The help and support we have received from such a welcoming and supportive group has been exceptional and we can’t thank them enough.”

Lara Smrtnik, who’s child is also supported by the group said:“We are thrilled to be holding our first ball this year.

“It will give us the opportunity to talk openly and honestly about Down’s Syndrome and show how things have changed so much in recent years.

“Our children have more opportunity than ever before and we are proud parents and can celebrate this.”

Tickets for the event can be bought from goldengiving.com/event/CharityBall#purchase

Find out more about the charity at handsupfordowns.weebly.com.