Twins take on 10k run for Down's syndrome charity

Two brothers with Down's syndrome are taking part in the Great Manchester Run 10k to raise money for a charity which has helped them since childhood.

Twins Thomas and Harry Derricott, from Wilmslow, Cheshire, are part of a group of 10 young adults with the condition who will be running together, along with 30 friends and family members.

They are raising money for the charity Down's Syndrome Manchester, with £18,000 donated so far.

"I'm excited to do the 10k for my first time," Harry said, while Thomas added he could "not wait" to take part in his second such run.

"I can't wait to do the 10k again," he said, adding: "It's my second time and this year I'm doing it with my twin brother, my good friends and our friends and Greg and Jack from high school."

• All you need to know about Great Manchester Run

The 24-year-olds said their training had included going to a gym and doing their local Park Run every weekend.

"We're all ready - we've been doing lots of training, lots of walking and healthy eating," their mum Jill Perry told BBC Radio Manchester.

She said Thomas's girlfriend Maddi, 25, will also be joining them for the run.

Training had been difficult in the recent heat "but they've done so well and I'm so proud of them", Jill added.

She said it was "incredible" that they had already raised more than £18,000 for Down's Syndrome Manchester.

Jill said Thomas did the 10k last year after being inspired by a friend Joseph Adams, who did 10 10k runs in succession with his family a few years ago.

"Thomas did it last year with his friend from high school and that's then inspired Harry to do it this year along with other members of the group from Down's Syndrome Manchester," she added.

She said they had been a part of this local charity since the boys were born.

"It's going to be very emotional watching them all doing it together - it's going to be very special," she added.

Harry and Thomas said they would be celebrating with a meal at Nando's and a glass of prosecco.

"I'm very proud of all of them," Jill said, adding: "It's going to be an amazing day."

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