21-mile challenge for Spittal four-year-old

A four-year-old boy at Spittal Mains farm near Halkirk is undertaking a 21-mile pony ride to support a charity that has helped his sister.

Scye Erridge's little boy Magnus aims to ride 21 miles in 21 days around the farm to raise awareness and funds for a charity called Positive About Down Syndrome (Pads) in the run up to World Down Syndrome Day on Sunday (March 21).

Scye said: "Pads is a charity that was set up by parents who have children with Down Syndrome (DS). They felt there was often a lack of support for new parents who have just found out their baby has or may have DS.

"They provide a huge amount of support to expectant and new parents reassuring them what the actual reality of DS is and dispelling outdated myths. They organise early years educational courses to help the development of little ones with DS and also provide literature and materials to professionals and maternity units."

Scye said she stumbled across Pads shortly after her daughter Daisy was born with Down Syndrome in June. "It was just what I needed to reassure me that there was nothing to worry about and that Daisy was exactly what my family needed," she added.

"I had asked medical professionals for info about DS and no one really knew where to direct me so that's why I really want to raise awareness of this charity so all new parents can get access to this fantastic resource."

For the month of March, Magnus has been riding his Shetland pony Vaila with the aim of doing 21 miles in 21 days in the run up to World Down Syndrome Day.

"The support they've received from the local community has been amazing. Magnus and his pony have done so well and only have a few more miles left to complete their challenge."

Scye said she wants to raise awareness of the charity that has been a great support to the family since daughter Daisy was born.

If anyone is interested in sponsoring Magnus and Vaila the Go Fund Me link is: www.gofundme.com/pads-2121-2021

Follow the journey on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MagnusandVailaPADS

Piano James dodges potholes and police on charity trek

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.