THE founder of a Halesowen charity for children with Down’s syndrome has been awarded a little extra help from the Halifax.

Jemma Sagar is one of 67 local winners of the company’s Giving Extra Award, worth £250, and now has the chance to win a regional and even national prize.

She was nominated by her dad, James Winters, and her impressive work with the Ups and Downs Club caught the eye of the selection panel.

Mrs Sagar launched the club after having a baby with the condition in 2010, when she discovered a lack of help in the area.

It provides much-needed support to families who previously felt alone and isolated and runs monthly meetings, fundraising activities, and social and personal development opportunities.

Despite her son being diagnosed with cancer and needing heart surgery, she is still striving to gain charitable status for Ups and Downs and to offer support to families of Down’s syndrome children.

She has also helped raise funds to subsidise activities and make them affordable for many families.

Mrs Sagar said: “I was shocked to hear I had won. We’ve gone through a bit with Harry and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved.”

Halifax community bank director David Nicholson said: “It was difficult to choose the 67 winners because we received so many incredible nominations.

“However, the work Jemma has done for her community really caught our panel’s attention and we wanted to recognise her with this Halifax Giving Extra Award.”

Seven regional winners will each be given £500 in vouchers and a £500 donation to a good cause and the national winner will net  £2,500 in vouchers and a £5,000 donation to a good cause of their choice.