Theo’s 47 runs for Down’s Syndrome

Jan 01, 2025 - Dec 31, 2025

Theo Hopkins

Theo is 7 years old with a passion for running and a big challenge ahead of him. Inspired by the incredible support his cousin Silas has received from Down’s Syndrome Oxford (DSO) and his own love for sport and Brighton & Hove Albion, Theo is embarking on a year-long mission to raise funds for three amazing charities:

Down’s Syndrome Oxford (DSO): A volunteer-run charity that provides information, support, and activities for children and adults with Down’s syndrome and their families in Oxfordshire. DSO has been a tremendous support for Silas and his family.
Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA): This national charity works to improve the lives of people with Down’s syndrome across the UK. Within the DSA, there is a fantastic program called DSActive, which runs sports sessions tailored for people with Down’s syndrome. Locally, in Brighton, Albion in the Community hosts DSActive football sessions, providing children and adults with Down’s syndrome the opportunity to play football in a supportive and inclusive environment. This cause is close to Theo’s heart, as it combines his love for Brighton & Hove Albion and the joy of sport for individuals with Down’s syndrome.
Junior Parkrun: A proportion of the money (20%) raised will also support Junior Parkrun events, an incredible initiative that encourages children aged 4 to 14 to engage in regular physical activity through free, weekly, timed 2km runs. Junior Parkrun promotes fitness, community involvement, and fun, fostering a lifelong love of running and exercise. This cause holds special meaning for Theo, who has been participating in Junior Parkrun since he was 4 years old. At the start of this challenge, he had already completed an impressive 140 park runs. Recognising that a significant part of this event involves attending different Parkrun locations, Theo felt it was fitting to contribute to the Junior Parkrun program and help it continue to inspire young runners like himself.

Theo’s Challenge:
To acknowledge the 47 chromosomes that characterise Down’s syndrome, Theo will take on a mammoth challenge. Over the next year, he will run 47 different races or runs, each in a unique location. This journey will include Junior Parkruns and other running events across the country, showcasing Theo’s dedication and determination.

Having completed over 140 Junior Parkruns already, Theo is ready to push himself to make a real difference for people like Silas. Regular updates on his progress will be shared on this fundraising page, so you can follow his journey and cheer him on.

Your Support:
Please consider supporting Theo in his mission to help raise funds for these three incredible charities. Your contribution will make a lasting impact, supporting vital services and creating opportunities for people such as his cousin Silas.

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Here’s the list of Theo's planned runs for his fundraising challenge (subject to change):

Run 1: 05/01/2025: Peacehaven Junior Parkrun ✅
Run 2: 12/01/2025: Hove Park Junior Parkrun ✅
Run 3: 19/01/2025: Haywards Heath Junior Parkrun ✅
Run 4: 26/01/2025: Chichester Junior Parkrun ✅
Run 5: 02/02/2025: Eastbourne Junior Parkrun ✅
Run 6: 09/02/2025: Bromley Junior Parkrun ✅
Run 7: 16/02/2025: Queen’s Park Junior Parkrun, Brighton ✅
Run 8: 23/02/2025: Cranleigh Junior Parkrun ✅
Run 9: 01/03/2025: Brighton Half Marathon Junior Race ✅
Run 10: 02/03/2025: Tilgate Park Junior Parkrun ✅
Run 11: 09/03/2025: Battle Junior Parkrun ✅
Run 12: 23/03/2025: Tonbridge Junior Parkrun ✅
Run 13: 30/03/2025: Guildford Junior Parkrun ✅
Run 14: 05/04/2025: Brighton Miles (Brighton Marathon Junior Event) ✅
Run 15: 06/04/2025: Worthing Junior Parkrun ✅
Run 16: 13/04/2025: Horsham Junior Parkrun ✅
Run 17: 20/04/2025: Reigate Priory Junior Parkrun ✅
Run 18: 27/04/2025: Leatherhead Junior Parkrun
Run 19: 04/05/2025: TBC
Run 20: 11/05/2025: Wilson's School Junior Parkrun
Run 21: 18/05/2025: Goudhurst Junior Parkrun
Run 22: 25/05/2025: Nonsuch Junior Parkrun
Run 23: 01/06/2025: Lovelace Primary Junior Parkrun
Run 24: 08/06/2025: Battersea Junior Parkrun
Run 25: 15/06/2025: TBC
Run 26: 22/06/2025: Lloyd Junior Parkrun
Run 27: 29/06/2025: Surbiton Junior Parkrun
Run 28: 03/08/2025: Crystal Palace Junior Parkrun
Run 29: 10/08/2025: Tooting Common Junior Parkrun
Run 30: 17/08/2025: Mewsbrook Junior Parkrun
Run 31: 24/08/2025: Blickling Junior Parkrun
Run 32: 31/08/2025: Wimbledon Common Junior Parkrun
Run 33: 07/09/2025: Dowds Farm Junior Parkrun
Run 34: 14/09/2025: Brockwell Junior Parkrun
Run 35: 21/09/2025: Bushy Junior Parkrun
Run 36: 28/09/2025: Bracknell Junior Parkrun
Run 37: 05/10/2025: Hoblingwell Junior Parkrun
Run 38: 12/10/2025: Waterlooville Junior Parkrun
Run 39: 19/10/2025: Woking Junior Parkrun
Run 40: 26/10/2025: Manor Park Junior Parkrun
Run 41: 02/11/2025: Bognor Regis Junior Parkrun
Run 42: 09/11/2025: Mote Park Junior Parkrun
Run 43: 16/11/2025: Beckenham Place Junior Parkrun
Run 44: 23/11/2025: Figges Marsh Junior Parkrun
Run 45: 30/11/2025: Winchester Junior Parkrun
Run 46: 07/12/2025: TBC
Run 47: 14/12/2025: Preston Park Junior Parkrun
Run 47: 21/12/2025: Reserve date

Supporting

parkrun UK

Sport | 1175062

20%

parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. parkrun is 5k and takes place every Saturday morning. junior parkrun is 2k, dedicated to 4-14 year olds and their families, every Sunday morning. parkrun is positive, welcoming and inclusive, there is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along.

Down's Syndrome Oxford

Health | 1103850

40%

Welcome to Down’s Syndrome Oxford, a charity organised and funded by volunteer parents and supporters to provide information, support and activities for children and adults with Down’s Syndrome and their families living in Oxfordshire.

Down's Syndrome Association

Community | 1061474

40%

We are a national organisation, committed to improving quality of life for people who have Down’s syndrome, promoting their right to be included on a full and equal basis with others.