Mascot Harry is on ball to highlight Down’s condition
THE Dale had two special mascots to mark World Down’s Syndrome Day.
Joe Bunney’s cousins Harry, nine, who has Down’s syndrome, and Henry six, led out the team for the game against Millwall at the Crown Oil Arena.
The move was to help raise awareness of the condition.
Speaking after the game, which finished 3-3, Joe said: “Days like today are about celebrating ability rather than disability.
“I was so proud to walk out onto the pitch with Harry and Henry. They had a great night and loved the attention from the fans who were brilliant. I’m thankful to the club and supporters
for getting behind WDSD – the reaction we had on social media and at the game was fantastic.”
Joe wore brightly coloured odd socks, while the players also donned pink t-shirts during their warm up, which had the Twincess logo emblazoned on the front.
Twincess is a charitable trust supported by Joe, which was set up by parents Matt and Jodi Parry after their twin daughters, Abigail and Isobel Parry, were born with Down’s syndrome in 2011 at odds of two million to one.
Joe added: “I’m delighted to have been able to add my support to the Twincess charity over the last few years.
“Matt and Jodi, along with Abigail and Isobel who are two amazing young girls, do some brilliant work to challenge negative perceptions and misconceptions.” ●●Dale full-back Joe Bunney leads out his cousins Harry, who has Down’s syndrome, and Henry ahead of the club’s game against Millwall in support of World Down’s Syndrome Day