Pupils and staff at Tenby’s Ysgol Hafan Y Môr have been pulling their ‘odd socks’ up to mark World Down Syndrome Day yesterday (Thursday) to help raise awareness of the condition by participating in the national ‘Lots of Socks’ campaign.

As part of World Down Syndrome Day, people all around the world celebrate the lives and achievements of people with Down syndrome, creating a global voice, advocating for the rights, inclusion and wellbeing of people with genetic disorder.

Leading the campaign at the school was two-year-old Wilson Mills-McBeth from Saundersfoot who currently attends Ysgol Hafan Y Môr’s Cylch Meithrin and in September he will be starting in the Nursery class.

Wilson has been doing his best to raise awareness of Down syndrome in his own unique style! His photographs have been shared many times on social media and have also been used by the Down’s Syndrome Association to raise awareness.

“Wilson loves people and instantly brightens any room he enters with his infectious smile and huge personality!” said his parents Sara and Jamie.

“He thrives in the hustle and bustle of a large family and has never been treated any differently to any of the other children - he simply loves being around people,” continued Sara.

“Wilson loves singing and dancing and if he knows he has an audience he will be the showman!

“He always loves the chance to dress up and pose for a picture or two and even has his own Facebook page - ‘Wilson - pretty fly for a small guy’ where he can spread awareness of his condition, by sharing his fun pics on social media.

“He can also be a lazy bones who hates getting up in the morning.

“He is Wilson - a little boy who just happens to have Down syndrome, but he is not defined by Down syndrome, he’s an absolute joy, and we are very lucky to have him in our lives,” she added.

The entire school has taken part in the ‘Lots of Socks’ campaign to get everyone to wear special, or ‘odd socks’ as a fun initiative in the lead up to Down Syndrome Awareness Day.

Why socks? Well, because chromosomes look like socks and people with Down’s syndrome have an extra chromosome! ‘Lots of Socks’ is acknowledged around the world as being associated with Down’s syndrome.

“We strongly believe, that it is important that all pupils understand that no two people are the same and are individuals in their own right,” said the school’s head teacher Mrs. Vicky Griffiths.

“Pupils are taught this formally and informally throughout their time at Ysgol Hafan y Mor in a variety of ways; Children’s Rights, supporting charities, working with outside agencies to develop understanding of difference and acceptance and circle time to name but a few.

“Every single child is important, no matter what their circumstances and I want every child to know and feel this throughout their time at Ysgol Hafan y Mor and to celebrate their differences in a safe, nurturing and welcoming, Welsh environment.

“I believe that it is vital that we start raising pupil’s awareness of Down’s Syndrome and an acceptance of differences from an early age.

“This is why we have decided to support the ‘Odd Socks’ campaign for World Down’s Syndrome Day, this year,” she added.