Miles of smiles for launch of ice cream party

SMILES, laughter and a good dollop of ice cream — it was the perfect ingredients for the launch of HB Ice Cream Sunday in support of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI).

Host of TV3’s new chat show Xpose, Lorraine Keane was on hand to launch the fifth annual national ice cream party.

The charity event takes place on Sunday, May 27, with thousands of people enjoying ice cream at parties all over the country. It is hoped to raise €500,000 this year.

Screen idol Pierce Brosnan, patron of Down Syndrome, will again be the voice and face of HB Ice Cream Sunday.

All proceeds raised will go towards the ongoing development of DSI’s National Resource Centre. It employs full-time specialists working in the areas of health, early intervention, counselling, medical services, education and independence.

Down Syndrome, a condition present at birth, randomly affects one-in-every-600 infants, male and female alike, worldwide.

The syndrome is a chromosomal accident and not caused by anything the parents may have done before or after pregnancy.

Children with Down Syndrome are at increased risk of health problems such as congenital heart defects, susceptibility to infection, respiratory problems, obstructed digestive tracts and childhood leukaemia.

With antibiotics and recent advances in clinical treatment, the majority of people born with Down Syndrome reach age 55 and may live longer.

To register as a host call 1890 37 37 37, log on to www.downsyndrome.ie or pick up a registration form at SuperValu stores.