Having celebrated World Down Syndrome Awareness Day on the 21st of March, The Punch House hosted a fundraiser last Saturday for 21 Plus, a local charity that supports children and young people with Down Syndrome and their families.
Mum Lucy Bennett-Downes, whose 8-year-old daughter Oti is a recognisable face around Monmouth said that they would not be where they are today without the support of 21 Plus.
“We had face painting, fire eating, loom bands, crafts, amazing raffle prizes, story telling, odd sock bunting and beer taps, and live and wonderful music from Wilma’s Crac and The Morgan Reader Trio,” added Lucy.
The community turned up in force to celebrate all that is Down Syndrome and helped them raise over £1,000.
She went on to say that the charity has been there since the beginning , “and continue to help Oti achieve all that she is capable of.
“Oti is forthright, and determined , with more than a drop of confidence and strides forward confidently along her path raising expectations in a world that often is blind to our community’s capabilities.
“Monmouth showed their solidarity on Saturday. Thank you,” she added..
If you would like to make a donation to 21 Plus please go to
21 Plus supports, nurtures and empowers children and young people with Down’s syndrome and their families.
Geographically they provide a full support network for the families within the Down’s syndrome community in Monmouthshire, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Newport, southern Powys and surrounding areas.
21 Plus has so far raised £7326 in 2025 from 1531 donations from 31 fundraisers.
Their core purposes are to enable people with Down’s syndrome to reach their full potential and live fulfilled and active lives, through the provision of training, support, education and practical advice and to promote the education of the public, parents and carers of people with Down’s syndrome, and professionals involved in their care and education, in the specific needs and abilities of people with Down’s syndrome.
