TWIN sisters who were born with Down’s Syndrome and have set about raising awareness of the condition have been backed by their local football club.
Abigail and Isobel Parry, three, from Chorley, were born with the genetic condition in 2011, at odds of two million to one, prompting their parents Matt and Jodi Parry to launch a charitable trust called Twincess.
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And Chorley FC, managed by former Blackburn Rovers captain Garry Flitcroft, will help to raise money for the trust after they wore special pink shirts for the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy Final, which are to be auctioned.
The twins were the mascots for Chorley as they beat Clitheroe 3-0 at Bolton Wanderers’ Macron Stadium.
Older brother Finlay was also the mascot for Clitheroe as the Blues offered their own support to the family.
Magpies captain Andrew Teague said: “The club decided to do ‘Twincess’ pink shirts and Monday was the first time we have worn them.
“They were specially made for the final and we are going to auction them off and donate the money raised from that to Twincess.
“We have done charity events for them for a few years now.
“Chorley is a community club and they are Chorley fans and live in the town.
“The girls were mascots for the final last year, so this year we decided to go one better and have the shirts as well.”
Manager Garry Flitcroft said: “Andrew Teague is involved with the charity and raising a bit of money for it.
“It is a great cause to get behind.”
Abigail and Isobel were born in 2011, and the family have organised a series of events to raise awareness of Down’s and provide a resource for families in the same situation, with the story attracting attention around the world.
In their latest effort, they are encouraging supporters to wear odd socks for World Down’s Syndrome Day tomorrow and to get involved in a football tournament at Charnock Richard FC on May 24, which has space for 24 teams.
Meanwhile, Abigail and Isobel’s big brother Finlay has been so keen to join in on the fundraising he’s signed up to take part in a 2km kids’ run as part of Bupa Great Manchester run around Heaton Park.
And dad Matt won’t be getting pampered on Father’s Day as he’s signed up to the Southport Triathlon.
For further information or to support their campaign, go online at www.twincess.co.uk/index.html.
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