Birthday girl raises money for Downs Support Group

Rachel Campbell of Mullan Road marked her big milestone in January with a special birthday party in Ballymoney Rugby Club. However the student teacher asked her guests not to bring along presents but make a donation to Causeway Downs Syndrome Support Group.

Rachel explained: "I have always wanted to celebrate my 21st with a party and as I'm a member of the Young Farmers' Club and have a big family I knew it would be a big event so I decided to ask guests to make a donation to Causeway Downs Syndrome Support Group in lieu of gifts.

"I chose this charity as my cousin Holly Logan, who is 2 years-old, was born with Downs Syndrome. Since Holly was 3 months old I've seen how hard her mum Deirdre works stimulating her with activities to maximise her potential. Deirdre does an amazing job and I really wanted to support her and help a local charity. I also wanted to raise peoples' awareness of Down's Syndrome as I feel not enough is known about it."

And thanks to all her family and friends last week Rachel presented a cheque for 1,200 to Deirdre and Holly.

She continued: "Over a hundred people came to my party on January 22nd and everyone gave so generously.

"It was an amazing and memorable night. I would like to thank everyone for coming and say a big thank you to them for their kind generosity.

At present Rachel is in her third year of University studying Primary School Education at Stranmillis Universtiy College and is currently on Teaching Placement in Buick Memorial Primary School in Culleybackey.

She added "I have a keen interest education and children and I believe the money raised is going towards funding a selection of educational materials for the Support Group."

"I would really like to wish the group all the best in the work that they do and hope the money helps them and the local community. "