World Down Syndrome Day 2024: Giant socks knitted for Portsmouth charity

The socks took three months to knit

A giant pair of socks has been knitted to raise awareness of Down's syndrome.

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association supporter Megan Crook took three months to knit the socks, each measuring more than 3m (10ft).

World Down Syndrome Day has a "Lots of Socks" theme, with people encouraged to wear odd socks on the day.

The association's trustee Ken Ross said the giant pair was "absolutely brilliant".

"Everything we do is to raise awareness for inclusivity and meaningful change for people with Down's syndrome, in all aspects of life," he said.

The charity hopes they could be the biggest pair of knitted socks in the UK. The world record of 5.69m (18ft 8in) was set by a US knitter in 2021.

World Down Syndrome Day is one of the main dates for activities and campaigning by the association, which provides specialist services and education support to families in the south of England.

Mr Ross was speaking after attending a reception at 10 Downing Street along with his son Max, other members of the Portsmouth association, and Down's syndrome groups from across the UK to mark World Down Syndrome Day.

They called for greater rights for people with Down's syndrome and highlighted the current campaign to outlaw the abortion after 24 weeks of foetuses diagnosed with Down's syndrome.

Max Ross was pictured at the famous door of 10 Downing Street

Down's syndrome results from being born with an extra chromosome, usually by chance because of a change in the sperm or egg before birth. There are estimated to be about 47,000 people with Down's syndrome in the UK.

The annual awareness day is held on 21 March to signify the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes the condition.

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