Lydia walked 21km walk for her 7-year-old sister with Down Syndrome

Lydia Corley is one very special sister! Last year, she was an inspiration to all when she completed Challenge 21, a 21 km coastal walk from Booterstown to Howth in aid of The Down Syndrome Centre.

Lydia walked with one goal in mind – to prove that her sister Sophie (7), who has Down Syndrome, is just like everyone else.

The young girl did not take the event lightly and made sure to stay active to prepare herself for the event.

She said, “I do gymnastics, hockey, dancing and singing and Gaelic and I cycle and go out on my bike a bit but I didn’t really train – I just did it.”

Lydia, who was accompanied by her Mum Sinead, made sure to warm up before the 21k walk. She set aside time to do some rounds on the playground for five minutes before she set off on the final stretch.

“Mum kept saying to me ‘Are you sure you don’t want me to ring Daddy? (for a lift)’ – I think she was trying to get rid of me,” she laughed.

When she finally crossed that finish line, Lydia felt ‘brilliant’ could not believe the support that awaited her. After the race, the family all got together to celebrate.

The Down Syndrome Centre, based in Cabinteely in Dublin, provides a wide range of early intervention services to children with Down Syndrome, as well as support and services to their families.

Lydia often tags along with her sister Sophie to Speech and Occupational Therapy sessions at The Down Syndrome Centre and has made some great friends there.

‘I have a gang of friends – we’re all in different schools – but the good thing is Sophie had her birthday last year, she invited all of her friends and all of their brothers and sisters came, so we got to hang out.’

Lydia is all set for year two of Challenge 21 and is asking you to join her by walking, jogging or running the 21km coastal journey from Booterstown to Howth.

The event will take place on September 16th, and it will be one you won’t want to miss.

Emma Murphy, Fundraising Manager at The Down Syndrome Centre, said: “Challenge 21 promises to be a fantastic day out with entertainment, music, refreshments and many surprises along the way!

“We are hoping to raise €75k which will go directly into the provision of early intervention services for children with Down Syndrome. This a great opportunity to dust off the runners, increase fitness levels and make the most of those last days of summer.”

When asked if Sophie would like to join her sister for the event this year, Lydia replied: ‘She does NOT like walking (laughs), she wouldn’t walk 1 km but I’m going to do it. I have my baby cousins Christening the day before on the Saturday and then Challenge 21 on the Sunday!’

Everyone is invited to step up to the challenge with Lydia next month and show their support for those with Down Syndrome and their families. The race will take place on September 16th at 10am from Booterstown Dart Station.

For more information about the event, please contact The Down Syndrome Centre at info@downsyndromecentre.ie or at (01) 661-8000.