HUNDREDS of people strolled through an Oxford park in the sunshine to raise money for a cause close to their hearts.

The annual sponsored Big Step Forward walk is Down’s Syndrome Oxford’s biggest fundraising event.

This year’s event took place at Cutteslowe Park, North Oxford, along the Peace Walk route yesterday.

The charity supports 150 families, providing information and social opportunities.

Among this year’s attractions was face painting, a football skills workshops and a barbecue.

Organiser Sarah Stevenson, 41, of Tweed Crescent, Bicester, has a two-year-old son Jack with the condition.

She said: “It’s been quite a difficult couple of years for us but we absolutely love Jack and we wouldn’t be without him. The charity supports us and it’s also a good network to meet local families who have children with Down’s Syndrome. If you have problems you can talk to other people about it.”

Mrs Stevenson said: “The weather was fantastic. It’s just something people can do as a family and to raise money for a charity that is close to their hearts. Everyone started off altogether but there was a few stragglers at the end. There were lots of red faces when the event finished.”

Last year’s event in South Park, Oxford, raised £12,000 and was attended by 600 people.

eallen@oxfordmail.co.uk