Driver rallies support for Mayo-based Down Syndrome centre

A local rally driver, whose two-year-old daughter has Down Syndrome, is currently raising money to build a new Centre of Excellence for Down Syndrome in Swinford.

David Mannion was fundraising for the new facility, which is currently under construction, at the Galway International Rally over a fortnight ago and will continue his efforts at next Sunday’s Mayo Stages Rally.

David has partnered with Rallying for Down Syndrome, a group set up by John Stone, Danny McMenamin and Jemma Champion, to raise awareness for Down Syndrome in the sport.

“In August 2021, our lives took a wild turn when we welcomed our beautiful daughter Ruby to the world,” explains David. “A post-natal diagnosis of Down Syndrome, it was a curve ball Cathy (David’s wife) and I didn’t see coming. Very quickly we didn’t know what to do or how to react, but our daughter was here, fit and healthy we had to get on with it.

“Looking back at the time, if you had said to me then that I would be fronting a fundraising campaign and raising awareness for Down Syndrome on the Irish Motorsport calendar, I would have lost a lot on that bet!” David added.

“Today Ruby is your typical two-year-old, classic second-born riddled with devilment, mischief and an ability to wrap our extended family and friends around her finger while also knowing she can get out of any trouble she causes, a trait that is recognised by any fellow parents of children with Down Syndrome we talk to. We wouldn’t change her for the world.” 

Shortly after Ruby was born, David discovered the Rallying for Down Syndrome awareness campaign, which was highlighted on rally driver Ryan Champion’s Porsche 911.

“I sent a message to Ryan asking about the stickers, slightly surprised to receive a response and it opened the conversation all about the group and its objectives,” David said.

“Ryan has a son, Finley, with Down Syndrome hence his passion for DS Awareness and a shared passion for motorsport.” 

David Mannion managed to raise just under €24,000 at the Galway International Rally and will continue his campaign in Mayo this week, with all money raised going towards completing the construction work and providing services at the new centre in Swinford, which is easily accessible to all from the N5 and the N17.

“The centre will be a focal point for all age groups of people with Down Syndrome, from babies through to adults,” says Mannion. “It will also be a place where expectant parents can reach out for advice and to learn more about Down Syndrome as they embark on their new journey.

“The internal layout is changed to allow for a meeting/office/training space, with two treatment rooms, a sensory room and a fully accessible playground, and the centre will be used for activities, seminars and educational purposes. Members will be able to access life-changing therapies such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, play therapy and counselling if required.

“The centre will also provide a meeting place for assisting parents/guardians and those who work alongside our members in developing new skills to assist out members on their life journey, for example Lámh which is a valuable tool in assisting our members in communicating with others.

“Having this centre in the west will allow for better outcomes for hundreds of children and adults in our community. It will allow our children the best start and our adults the opportunity to gain independence and employment. The playground will provide hundreds of children with a disability a place to play with their peers,” he concluded.