We are thrilled to welcome DSA Ambassadors Aitch and Joanna Chimonides to our
World Down Syndrome Day Skydive next month
Both brave Ambassadors will be free falling, in tandem with their instructor, from 15,000 feet to celebrate the global event, which aims to raise awareness about what Down’s syndrome is, what it means to have Down’s syndrome, and how people who have Down’s syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities.
BRIT Award winner and multi-platinum-selling rap artist Aitch became an Ambassador for the DSA in October 2022 after supporting the charity with a generous donation from the budget of his music video for his track ‘My G’ featuring Ed Sheeran. This song is dedicated to his younger sister Gracie, affectionately known as ‘G’, who has Down’s syndrome, and was filmed in DSA’s beautiful Normansfield Theatre at their Langdon Down Centre. The skydive will be a real family affair for Aitch, as his dad will be doing his own tandem skydive alongside his son.
Instagram star, model and influencer Joanna Chimondes joined the DSA as an Ambassador in May last year. Her connection to the charity comes from her happy childhood memories of her uncle who had Down’s syndrome.
Both Ambassadors have also asked their fans, family and friends to make donations to raise funds for the Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA):
We are so grateful for their amazing generosity, courage and the support of all their fans.
We can’t wait to share their skydive experience.
Aitch said: ‘I’m buzzing to jump out of a plane for World Down Syndrome Day next month! My Dad will be doing it with me, raising awareness for a cause that’s close to me and my family’.
Joanna said: ‘I’m proud to be in the position where I can support the Down’s Syndrome Association, raising awareness for them in all that they do. And now, I get to do that while jumping out of an airplane – something that I’ve always wanted to do, but have been too scared to do it. But I know my uncle will be proud of me!’
Carol Boys, Chief Executive of the DSA, said that she was extremely grateful to them both for taking on such a big challenge. ‘Both Aitch and Joanna have done a fantastic job of raising awareness and understanding of Down’s syndrome among their fans and followers. To actually jump out of a plane to raise money to help us continue our vital work is just amazing.’
Find out more about World Down Syndrome Day and Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week.