Ryder Jack Manulat earned his wings on June 11, 2014.
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The two year-old was the centre of his family and described as someone who brought joy to everyone he met.
He was also a fighter and in his short life overcame more adversity than most people ever will.
Two days after he was born, Ryder was diagnosed with Down syndrome and a congenital heart defect.
In an effort to help create awareness, his family started the Facebook page ‘Upside Down’ to share Ryder’s journey.
Sadly in June this year, Ryder was struck down by Meningococcal disease and passed away suddenly.
Determined to honour his memory, Ryder’s family including mother Merran, father Ray and brother’s Jett and Hunter, have set up a foundation with all money raised funding children living with Down syndrome in the Hunter region.
Next Monday, December 15, the inaugural T21 Ryder’s Foundation Memorial Golf Day will be held at The Vintage, Hunter Valley.
Merran said that the family hope the event will become an annual competition and the foundation is a big part of making sure the memory of their son lives on.
“So much had been written about Ryder’s passing, and every time there was another death or another person suffering the terrible disease, Ryder’s name was always mentioned,” she said.
“Ryder was so much more than the disease that took his life.
“He was cheeky, had an infectious smile and brought joy to everyone he met.”
Merran said that the family are still very much grieving the loss of Ryder and that while their lives have been changed forever, the foundation is a way they can deal with their grief and help make a difference.
“To us he was just Ryder, who happened to have an extra chromosome,” she said.
“His older brother Hunter (eight-years-old) told us one day he thought Ryder did not have Down syndrome anymore as he had the same hair, eyes and mouth as Hunter.
“Hunter, along with us, was a huge advocator for children with Down syndrome.
“Raising funds is extremely important for us but along with this is advocating for children like Ryder. “Ryder was a typical child who bought us more joy than anyone could imagine.
“We are humbled by the 6,000 followers of Ryder’s Facebook page who mourned his loss but continue to follow his journey and send messages of support for someone they have never met.”
Monday’s golf day already has 100 players taking part with room for approximately 20 more.
The day will consist of a four-person Ambrose event with a shotgun start at 9am.
There will be 18 holes of golf played followed by a two-course lunch and all non-golfers are welcome to join the family for the lunch.
There is also $1000 worth of donations being offered in an auction and raffle as well as live entertainment from Anna Weatherup from The Voice.
For more information on the event, contact Merran at t21rydersfoundation@gmail.com.
More information on Ryder and his incredible life can also be found at his Facebook page www.facebook.com/rydersjourney and www.face-book.com/T21RydersFoundation.
