Every penny donated is being used directly to fund the development of a comprehensive Secondary Education Programme scheduled for launch at the start of the 2026 September term.
Reaching the goal has come as a major boost for the families of children with Down syndrome across the UK at a time when the SEND community missed out on extra government funding in Rachel Reeves’ recent budget.
Along with Ella and their son Connor, Dave and Rachel were inspired to do something after their own experience in finding a suitable secondary school for Ella, who has Down syndrome.
Having witnessed Ella thrive during her mainstream primary years Dave and Rachel were disappointed to find that the same skillsets were not matched in secondary education.
To give the fundraising campaign a major boost DSUK produced a series of short films featuring young people with Down syndrome, including one with Ella – a pupil at Ryton-on-Dunsmore Academy – and her Mum Rachel.
Filmed at Connor’s school – Harris C of E Academy in Rugby and also at Ryton-on-Dunsmore - Ella’s film highlighted how important inclusion is, and what schools need to successfully support a student with Down syndrome. The film was one of a number which recently went live on DSUK’s social media channels at the beginning of December.
It was posted along with links to a Big Give match funding campaign website which enabled Coleshill-based LTS Global Solutions – where Dave is Managing Director and Rachel is Head of HR and Communications – to match donations.
Over one week at the start of December the Big Give campaign raised a total £12,275, taking the fundraiser £2,000 over its £40,000 target.
Now with the funding in place the secondary education programme will offer accredited training modules, resources and ongoing support in a wide range of subjects and areas including numeracy, literacy, communication and social engagement.
It has been devised by Dr Becky Baxter who is the Director of Education and Speech and language at DSUK and has two decades of experience in working with students with Down syndrome.
Dave said: “To hit our goal in only 9 months and to surpass our target by £2,000 is simply incredible. This will make a significant difference for all students with Down syndrome as well as providing much-needed support to their teachers.
“I can’t thank everyone involved enough for being part of this journey and for their generosity in helping us to achieve this wonderful milestone – not least our suppliers, clients and staff who have been supporting our efforts every step of the way, and fellow members of The Pallet Network who gave so generously at our members’ event in September.
“The kindness and dedication shown is truly appreciated and the achievement is a testament to the power of community and the positive impact we can create when we come together for such a worthwhile cause.”
The extra £2,000 will be put towards ongoing costs to roll the programme out to secondary schools nationwide, benefiting students with Down syndrome across the UK.
