To improve the lives of people with Down’s syndrome we’re going to need your help.

Exciting advances

For many years, scientists believed that it was impossible to do anything to intervene medically to lessen the effects of the extra genes a person with DS has in their cells.

The main reason for this was the fact that there are over 500 genes on chromosome 21. However exciting advances within the last 10 years have linked particular genes and biochemical pathways to the particular medical conditions seen more frequently in people with DS.

Not only that but the emergent field of epigenetics has revealed another layer of influence the environment (and that of our recent descendants) has on gene expression. You can learn more about epigenetics in this TED talk.

All this means that the potential for improving the health and quality of life for people with DS great.

Bringing it to life…

Our vision is to fund or commission research or facilitate initiatives to improve the quality of the life of people with Down’s syndrome by:

  • Carrying out research to improve our understanding of the medical conditions and disabilities that are associated with Down’s syndrome and find ways to diagnose, prevent, treat and resolve these issues
  • Committing to an ‘attitude of transparency’ with our and others’ research findings to increase the global understanding of DS
  • Educating parents, those with DS, professionals and the public to have a better understanding of Down’s syndrome
  • Getting the foundations right by talking about the impact that nutrition and lifestyle on the quality of life
  • Collaboration with other charities where our aims and objective align and assisting researchers to do the same
  • Defending the human rights of people with DS to receive equal funding for health research and to be free of discrimination wherever it appears

At the backbone of our work is the premise that people with DS also deserve the innovation and improved research techniques seen and used to research and treat other conditions and illnesses over the last 50 years.  This is regardless of the screening programmes offered, however precise. We do not see antenatal screening as a ‘treatment’ for Down’s syndrome.

How are DSRF funded

We receive no Government funding and rely totally on voluntary donations from individuals, companies, community groups and grant-making trusts and foundations. Our need to fundraise and generate income is constant and we appeal to you to support us if you possibly can. Regardless of how small the donation – every little really does help, especially on a regular monthly basis. Please refer to our ‘Support Us’ page to find out about the various ways you or your friends can help us raise these vital funds.