Lucy has achieved her Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, an inspiring achievement which is all the more impressive as she has Down’s Syndrome.
Down’s Syndrome is a genetic condition that affects the mental and physical development of a child. For Lucy having Down’s Syndrome means she tires easily and has learning difficulties.
In spite of this Lucy showed great determination and commitment, particularly on her expedition, to overcome these additional challenges and progress through her DofE Awards. She learnt many new skills during this time including first aid, ballroom dancing and cookery.
Lucy spent a week at the Fortune Centre of riding therapy for her Residential section. This was her first time away from home on her own and she enjoyed her time there so much that she is now a residential student there on a three year course. She also continues to help others by volunteering for the Riding for the Disabled Association. This work has helped to give her direction for the future as she now hopes to become a stable girl, working and living in the community.
"It has helped me to believe I can do it. I am now special not only because I have Down’s Syndrome but because I believe in myself, that is what the DofE has helped me to do. I have more confidence to try other things, make friends and be more independent. The skills I learnt are now part of me, who I am and I shall use them in my everyday life because they are life skills."
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