Streatham MP joins kids on fundraising walk for Down’s South London

By Rafi Mauro-Benady

An MP has joined children with Down’s syndrome in a bid to raise funds.

Streatham’s MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy joined three-year-old Orla, and four-year-old Zephy – both of whom have Down’s syndrome – for the charity ‘Down’s South London’s’ fundraising walk in Rush Common, Brixton.

Orla and Zephy – both from Streatham – are part of a 15-strong team of kids with the condition across South London, hoping to raise up to £35,000 for the cause.

Having raised £26,000 thus far, the kids will be walking 300 miles, the equivalent of going from Cornish landmark Land’s End to Peckham, where their therapy is based.

Ms Ribeiro-Addy said: “I’m blown away by the fantastic fundraising efforts of Orla, Zephy, and all 15 children on the Down’s South London team.

“So many charities have seen their income slashed by the pandemic, fighting on to provide their vital services as usual.

She added: “These children have already managed to raise a staggering amount of money for the charity they love at an incredibly challenging time.

“I’m with them every step of the way and encourage everyone to get behind their campaign.”

Down’s South London has seen a £50,000 shortfall this year due to the impact of the pandemic.

Pictured top: Streatham MP Bel Ribeiro-Addy, second left, with parents and children