As-salamu alaikum.

My name is Wendy Uttley and I founded the above charity in the year 2000, when my son, who has Down syndrome was 2 years old. The charity is based in Bradford and now supports over 420 families and 200 organisations who live and work with children and young people who have Down syndrome. Approximately 26% of the families we support are Muslim families.

Children born with Down syndrome will have a learning disability for life. We provide a wide range of support including home visits, early intervention and training for schools to ensure the children are educated and included within society as they grow into adults. Our aim is that all children reach their full potential, whatever that may be. It is a challenging job because change in attitude is continuously needed. 

We are also experiencing a financial crisis and need to gain additional income. 

From January 2025 all staff contracts were reduced by 5 hours and the centre is now closed on a Friday. This is still not sufficient to bring our expenditure in line with our income which is currently running at a loss of £4000 per month.

Could you consider donating during Ramadan or as a regular donor through Sadaqah Jariyah?

You may wish to organise a sponsored event, cake/food sale, quiz evening, etc.

Our aim is to raise £100,000 during 2025. For further information on this visit our website fundraising page https://www.downsyndromebradford.com/items.

Sadly, without your support the charity may cease to exist, along with the lifeline of support we provide to  many Muslim families in Bradford.

If you are able to help, please drop me an email to office@downsyndromebradford.co.uk, and we will give you all the support you need.

 wa’l-salaamu ‘alaykum and warmest regards, Wendy Uttley