Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity (DVLCC) is pleased to announce a new partnership with law firm, Slater and Gordon. The London-based law firm will be offering a free will writing service to the charity’s families and supporters – helping to secure the future of children with cerebral palsy, chromosome abnormalities and rare genetic disorders.
Using a unique code, DVLCC’s supporters will be able to access this free online service for a simple will (or receive a discount for a more complicated will, which is drafted by a lawyer). Whilst there is no formal obligation to leave money to the charity when using this service, a gift in your will can change the life of a child like Otis.
Born prematurely at 25 weeks old, Otis’ brother, Eddie, tragically passed away in his first 24 hours and Otis went on to spend months in hospital battling serious complications. Following two brain bleeds, a serious gut condition, holes in his heart and lungs and numerous fractured bones, he was diagnosed with quadriplegic cerebral palsy – affecting all four of his limbs. His prognosis was bleak, with his parents told he would never walk or talk.
In July 2023, the family started attending DVLCC for physiotherapy, conductive education and hydrotherapy sessions. Initially Otis found it incredibly stressful, and his parents didn’t want to give themselves too much hope. Two years on, he has achieved more than his parents ever dreamt might be possible.
His motor skills have improved significantly, allowing him to use his hands to grip items. Recently, Otis said his first word in a speech and language session, vocalising the ‘o’ sound in ‘go’. This special moment brought everyone to tears.
With support from our team, he is working in rolling, kneeling, sitting and improving his balance. Most amazingly, he has even begun to try and take some step movements in his sessions – something his parents could never have imagined was possible.
Change the life of a child like Otis by leaving a gift in your will today. Visit the website to read our guide to legacy giving or call the team on 01444 473274 for more information on how to access the free will service.
Molly Devine, Content and Administration Officer at Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity said: “Leaving a legacy in your will can help guarantee the futures of children with cerebral palsy and other motor learning impairments – allowing you to make a real difference to families for years to come. We are so grateful to Slater and Gordon for their support in making leaving a gift in your will even easier for our supporters.”
