CHILDREN and their parents will be putting their best foot forward to raise money for a charity close to their hearts.

Down’s Syndrome Oxford is hosting a Big Step Forward 4km walk and fun day at Cutteslowe Park, Oxford, on Sunday.

And three Bicester families will be there to do their bit for the charity that supports them month in month out.

Sarah Stevenson, 41, of Tweed Crescent, said the charity had provided invaluable support to her and husband Mark, and their son Jack, two, who has Down’s Syndrome.

She said: “Initially they were our support network and then when he was 15 months old, he started the early development groups that are provided free to all families up to school age.

“Most children with Down’s Syndrome have some sort of speech and language delay, and early intervention in speech and language helps.”

Rebecca Mitchell-Farmer along with daughter Lucy, five, who has Down’s Syndrome, son Sam, two, and husband Matt, will all be taking part in the walk.

She added: “The charity really helped us in the early days, it was nice to meet with other parents who provided lots of information and helpful ideas.”

Every year the charity helps scores of families across Oxfordshire providing speech and language therapy, support and fun days out for families. But it has to raise up to £30,000 a year to keep running.

Another mum Lucy Sanderson, 36, and her daughters Chloe, three, who has Downs Syndrome, and sister Annabelle, seven, as well as grandparents and aunt and uncle will also be walking to help raise cash.

Mrs Sanderson, of Avocet Way, said: “After the shock of Chloe’s diagnosis, it was reassuring to meet other families that have children with Down’s Syndrome. It’s been great to get advice and talk through anxieties with parents in the same situation as us.”

She said Chloe had benefited “immensely” from the speech and development groups and was able to communicate through a mix of speech and sign language.

Activities include football games run by Oxford City FC, Bambinos Active, musical instrument making, face painting, and a monkey gym. The fun day, which also marks the close of National Downs Syndrome Awareness week, starts at 10.30am and the walk kicks off at 11.30am.

For more information or to register call Sarah Stevenson on 01869 324508 or see www.dsoxford.org.uk