Stephen Hunt said he hoped to have raised 1,500 in sponsorship for his run of four hours, 12 minutes in aid of Downright Excellent, a stay-and-play group that incorporates an early development communication programme into its weekly sessions. Downright Excellent allows for free-flow play in a permanent nursery setting, with climbing, books, messy play and a garden.
Co-ordinator Suzanne Williams said, 'Down's children have a very specific learning profile and the communication groups we offer address these developmental needs. Their learning strength is around visual memory, so all learning is supported with signing, picture clues and actions.'
The London-based group received a start-up grant from Sure Start last year, but a parents' committee is working towards achieving charitable status.
Parents pay 10 per session and some travel from as far afield as St Albans in Hertfordshire.
Mr Hunt attends the sessions with his two-year-old twin sons Raffy and Max, who has Down's. He said, 'The speech and language therapy sessions are fun and stimulating. Both Max and Raffy thoroughly enjoy the semi-formal turn-taking, colour sorting, signing, singing and mouth exercises that they do. Max has thrived from these sessions and his communication development has accelerated rapidly.'
For information or making donations to the centre go to www.downrightexcellent.org.
