A boy from Darlington will be taking his marks at Darlington's races this weekend - all for a good cause.

Inspiring 11-year-old Bobby Stevens is raising awareness and money for local service Together 21 by competing in the Darlington Fun Run.

As a member of Together 21 and someone with Down's syndrome, Bobby is passionate about raising £200 to support a cause close to him.

Bobby is "really excited" to represent children like himself, and has been inspired by his dad, as well as the ongoing Olympics and Paralympics. 

(Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

Bobby's dad, also called Bobby, will be doing the Darlington 10k race on Sunday. He's a keen runner, having done the Darlington races before to raise money for charity, and is "pleased" his son is following in his footsteps. 

He said: "Bobby likes to run everywhere - he normally says to me 'why are you walking dad?' and makes us run. 

"I have to hold his hand as he's quite unsteady on his feet, but as long as he knows I've got hold of him, he's off and compares himself to Sonic the Hedgehog. 

"In fact, people often smile at him after his swimming lessons at the Dolphin Centre, as he uses the hair dryers to spike up his hair like Sonic."

(Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

Bobby does not let any disability stand in his way; as well as being an enthusiastic runner, he's a strong swimmer. 

His dad commented: "He loves to run, but I think if he chooses to go after any sport it'll be swimming - he's talented and can hold his breath for a long time.

"I'm so proud of him - he's a happy boy, and always has a smile."

The charity Together 21 offers a peer support network, allowing families to connect and form friendships. The service receives positive feedback from parents, like Bobby’s dad, saying that their children experienced increased independence, choice, and control by attending sessions.

Not only do children feel the benefit of Together 21’s specialist interactive sessions, but the families do too. In the last year, families received 2,394 hours of carer respite from utilising Together 21.

Bobby’s dad added: “I couldn’t be prouder that Bobby has chosen to race again this year. Supporting a cause close to his and his family’s heart shows that he is an ambassador for children like him.

"He is unstoppable and can take on any challenge.

“Last year, he managed to raise a total of £603 for Together 21. He knows it might be tough to do that again, but every little bit helps.”

Together 21 is delivered by health and wellbeing charity the Pioneering Care Partnership (PCP) – a charity with a mission of ‘Health, Wellbeing and Learning for All.’

The race starts on High Row Sunday, August 4, Darlington at 9am. If you would like to ‘back Bobby’ and Together 21, you can visit his JustGiving page. 

Georgina Beckensall, Project Lead for Together 21, said: “Together 21 is all about learning, fun and friendship. We support the education and development of children and young people with Down's syndrome through a range of engaging activity programmes tailored to their strengths and needs.

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“We support children and young people aged 0-17 years to develop key skills, lifelong friendships and the confidence to enable them to live the life they choose. In addition, we provide training and support for teachers and other professionals who work with our children.

“We are so proud of Bobby for racing for a second year in support of Together 21. Choosing Together 21 as his cause shows the type of character he is, wanting to give back to a service he loves so much.

“All of this wouldn’t be possible without people like Bobby fundraising and supporting Together 21 – which is why it’s so important.”

  • The Darlington family fun run will start at 9am on Sunday (August 4), followed by the junior 3k sun at 9.45am with the 10k race off at 10.30am. Several roads around the town centre will be closed for the duration of the event.