Mencap Challenge To Rock Your Socks In March

Will you be rocking your socks in March for World Down Syndrome Day?

World Down Syndrome Day is on March 21 and Mencap is encouraging people to wear their funkiest socks throughout March to support people with a learning disability across the UK.

This year the charity has partnered with British sock company, Stand Out Socks, to help with its Rock Your Socks challenge.

Stand Out Socks was inspired by Ross Laing, a young man with Down Syndrome.

Like many people with a learning disability, Ross, 35, had struggled to find work so his brother Christian, 39, wanted to create a company where Ross would not only have a job, but be the most integral part of the business.

Christian was inspired to start Stand Out Socks after seeing Ross rocking a pair of bright, bold socks to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month in 2021.

He decided they should create their own unique range to raise awareness, give back and make people smile. Stand Out Socks is now the only British sock company with a co-founder who has a learning disability.

As the official sock partner for Mencap’s Rock Your Socks campaign, Ross has chosen two fantastically bright and colourful designs, Clouds and Top of the Socks, to raise vital funds for the charity. From each sale, £3.21 per adult sock and 50p per child sock will be donated to Mencap.

“We believe that Down Syndrome and other disabilities should be celebrated,” explained the brothers in a joint statement.

“People with Down Syndrome have varied abilities, but, like everyone, they also have their own personalities, things they like and dislike, things that make them who they are! We want to raise awareness and spread the word of disability inclusion so others can be accepted and included for who they are.”

Mencap Myth Busters, model Ellie Goldstein and Greatest Dancer star Andrew Self (pictured above) are supporting the campaign and rocking their socks this March. Pull on a pair and join them.

To find out more and donate, please visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/rysformencap or go to www.standoutsocks.co.uk