Tireless dedication recognised as Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association honoured with Civic Award
A light is being shone on unsung heroes at a city charity as it receives the Civic Award
The charity was founded in 2010 by husband and wife, Ken Ross OBE and Rachael Ross MBE, following the birth of their son, Max, when they were faced with a lack of specialist support on offer to people with down syndrome after the Portsmouth branch of Down Syndrome Education International closed down.
Dedicated to improving the lives of young people with down syndrome, the charity has celebrated a long list of accolades including the Shaping Portsmouth Education award, the Queen’s Award for Volunteering and the Freedom of the City of Portsmouth, with the Civic Award marking its latest feat.
Rachael said: “We are truly honoured to receive the prestigious Civic Award from Portsmouth City Council. It is a wonderful recognition of the passion, dedication and teamwork shown by our staff, families, volunteers and supporters who work tirelessly to build a more inclusive community.
“Above all, it celebrates our shared commitment to champion diversity, embrace every individual’s potential, and foster a strong sense of belonging for people with down syndrome across Portsmouth and beyond, because when people with down syndrome and learning disabilities are meaningfully included, the whole community benefits.”
The recipients of the award, which has been running for more than two decades, have been determined following a cross‑party selection panel formed of business and voluntary sector representatives.
Rachael explained the panel found the charity deserving due to its “outstanding contribution the organisation has made to the City of Portsmouth”, and there was “unanimous” decision as a result of the panel’s “admiration” for the work the PDSA undertakes.
The award, which will be presented at 10am on May 19 at Guildhall during the mayor making ceremony and AGM, comes after the co-founder was commended for her “tireless and dedication” in 2018 where she was acknowledged with the same honour.
PDSA offers an extensive list of activities and events throughout the year to support development and education including family fun days, coffee mornings, baby groups and more. The charity is also no stranger to the Great South Run, which sees hundreds of people clad in green every year to raise money so the team’s work can continue.
Council leader, Cllr Steve Pitt, previously said: “The Civic Awards are our way of saying thank you to those who give their time, energy and passion to make Portsmouth a better place.”