A MOTHER whose son has Down’s Syndrome is walking across three mountains for a charity to help those with the condition.

Maxine Napal, 45, from Waltham Abbey, will attempt the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in April, for the Down’s Syndrome Association. She will also attempt the national three peaks in June, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

The internal communications manager, who’s son, Rukai, five, has Down’s Syndrome, ran the London marathon for the same charity last year.

Maxine has been fundraising for the charity for a number of years. She said: “When my son Rukai was born we were met with pity instead of congratulations. Our first interaction with a paediatrician was a registrar frowning down at us as she said ‘you know why I’m here.’

“Aside from taking a little longer to learn and develop physically, Rukai is like any other kid.

“It’s heartbreaking to me that so many people mistakenly believe a life with downs syndrome is not worth living.”

The Three Peaks challenge will see Maxine climb to the top of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in under 12 hours.

The route which is 24 miles long, forms part of the Pennines.

Maxine will climb more than 800 metres above sea level during her challenge.

The Down’s Syndrome Association is a charity very close to Maxine’s heart, although she has been fundraising for four years now.

“I started running by doing a 10k race for life after losing my dad to lung cancer in 2013 and kept with it because I was enjoying it.”

The Down’s Syndrome Association has been supporting Maxine and her family since 2012, so Maxine felt the need to give something back.

She said: “The DSA has provided guidance for us since Rukai was born with advice on what to expect, where to look for more information and support, and how to connect with other families to share stories and experiences. As a parent, it’s a real comfort to know that the DSA is there supporting everyone with Down’s Syndrome from birth right through to adulthood. They really do amazing work.

“When I got the chance to run the London marathon last year for the DSA I jumped at the chance to achieve a huge goal while raising money for the amazing folk who support our family.”

However, the Three Peaks Challenge is a completely new task for Maxine, who has never undertaken anything like it before.

“These mountain challenges are probably more daunting than any run I’ve done, particularly as the National Three Peaks is done over a consecutive 24 hour period, so one ascent and descent will be done completely in the dark.”

Aside from fundraising, Maxine hopes that people will Down’s Syndrome will be given more of a chance, and able to shake off the label they are given.

“It’s a real shame that so much money is being spent trying to eradicate Down’s Syndrome when they should be doing more to improve the outcomes of people who have it.

“People with Down’s Syndrome are people first, and all people can learn and contribute to society in some way. Every life has value, we all just need to find the empathy and patience to discover it.”

You can help Maxine’s fundraising efforts at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ItsTheClimb.