Derry Gala Ball celebrates 25 years of Foyle Down Syndrome Trust

The City Hotel was the venue last Friday night as over 200 people turned out to celebrate 25 years of the Foyle Down Syndrome Trust’s sterling work in empowering children and young people with Down syndrome to lead full and meaningful lives.

The Gala evening started early with a wine reception, followed by a banquet meal and musical performances from some of the young people from the Trust including, what was the highlight of the night – some superb saxophone tunes by young Conor Collins that had the crowd on their feet!

Foyle Down Syndrome Trust was established in 1995 by local parents who believed that more could and should be done to support, nurture and empower children with Down syndrome.

The Trust started from a small office based in the Waterside and was led by a board of directors that included parents, local health and education professionals, fully supported by Professor Sue Buckley, Downs Education Ltd from Portsmouth.

Founder member and Down syndrome father Gerry Craig, addressing the attendance on Friday night described how the small group came together, sought funding and began to deliver what turned out to be a one-to-one home-based education programme.

“It was never easy”, said Gerry. “A lot of good people put in a lot of hard work to get to where we are today.

IN PICTURES: Foyle Down Syndrome Trust celebrate 25 years in style

Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography

"That hard work was endorsed recently by no other than the BBC Children in Need and The National Lottery Community Fund who provided necessary funding to help us deliver the programme.

"It was indeed ground-breaking and is our greatest achievement to date. This remains a core element of our service delivery today!”

The Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Angela Dobbins pictured at Friday night’s 25th Anniversary Gala Ball of the FDST with some of the young people from the Foyle Down Syndrome Trust. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

Mr. Craig went on to thank the directors, staff and volunteers for their continued dedication to the Trust, which ‘continues to grow from strength to strength.’ He also praised former Mayor, Graham Warke for choosing the charity during his term in office last year and said the culmination of being able to get the Trust their own minibus would be a great help to all service users.

FDST director and parent, Anthony Kirk endorsed Mr. Craig’s sentiments and added that the Trust will continue to grow and support their ‘One Big Family’ now and for many years to come.

“We are all about family, and it’s great to see so many here tonight. I see three and four generations covering all ages. This is what we are about – togetherness and supporting one another.”

Following a celebration video, the evening concluded under MC Highland Radio’s Lee Gooch orchestrating a prize draw which included numerous prizes donated by many businesses and community groups throughout the city and district. This was then followed by the fabulous ‘Mindbenders’ who entertained into the small hours.

Speaking after Friday’s event, FDST Manager, Christopher Cooper praised all involved for making it a memorable night, albeit, taking place three years later than expected.

“On behalf of everyone at the Trust, I extend a warm, heartfelt thank you to all who made tonight special. Special for everyone taking part. A big thank you to our Deputy Mayor Angela Dobbins for attending, all those who contributed prizes for our draw, and those who took the time to come along and celebrate what for us has been a tremendous 25 years in which the Trust continues to grow and get stronger.”