TWO mums are on a fundraising mission to set up a new charity close to their hearts.

Helen Kel, from Claxton, and Louise Mouncey, from Haxby, have founded Shine21 to support children aged up to five diagnosed with Down Syndrome in North Yorkshire.

Louise and Helen met through parenting group, Ryedale Mumbler, and realised they both have children with Down Syndrome. Helen has 20-month-old Ruben and Louise has four-year-old Ben.

The pair are now fundraising towards a £10,000 target to purchase educational resources and organise early intervention and therapeutic groups for the children.

The charity is currently taking part in a combined 500-mile sponsored walk, cycle or run throughout the month of October, which is also Down Syndrome Awareness month.

“We are very passionate about raising positive awareness and squashing any miscommunication about Down Syndrome,” said Helen.

“We are fundraising to buy vital learning resources, set up early development groups and therapeutic interventions for the children without families having to shoulder the financial burden.

“We have enlisted the help of other fellow mums in the group to achieve our initial target, which is a huge amount totalling £10,000.

“100 per cent of the profit goes to Shine21 and any donations or contributions would be hugely appreciated.”

Independent businesses are also supporting the £10,000 fundraising efforts, including Joy Photography and Linda Rodgers Art & Design.

Joy Photography has taken 12 photographs for a 2021 charity calender which includes members of the group.

Linda Rodgers Art & Design has volunteered to design the charity’s Christmas cards.

Shine21 is also offering Halloween fun packs to keep the children entertained at home during the half-term holiday.

All the products are available to pre-order via contact@shine21.org or find Shine21 on Facebook.

For more information, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/shine21walk