On Thursday 27 November, Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity hosted an exclusive luncheon at Lambeth Palace. The charity, which supports children under five with cerebral palsy, chromosome abnormalities and rare genetic disorders was joined by special guests Sir Edward Davey MP FRSA, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, and his wife Emily Gasson, who shared their own personal connection with the charity.
This unique event celebrated the extraordinary impact of the charity’s loyal supporters, ahead of their 25th anniversary year. Guests enjoyed a drinks reception in the State Drawing Room with Sussex produced wines and soft drinks from sponsors Stopham Vineyard, Wiston Wine Estate and Folkington’s Juices, before moving into the breathtaking Guards Room for lunch.
The charity hosted a live auction, compered by parent, Richard Taylor-Johnson, whose son Josh was supported by the charity. Every penny raised at the event will help to provide a range of early intervention support services to children and their families. The charity offers physiotherapy/ conductive education, music therapy, speech and language therapy, rebound therapy, swimming sessions and outreach home-play – all free of charge. With no waiting list to start at the charity, families can refer themselves if they feel they are in need of support.
Glenys Creese, CEO of Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity said: “We are so grateful to have hosted an event at such an eminent location. This event has helped to raise over £15,000 in crucial funds for the children we support, allowing families to see their child reach milestones they once thought were out of reach. We are so grateful to every one of our supporters who joined us on the day, and a special thanks to our sponsors: Homewood Rail, Robert Walters, Folkington’s, Wiston Estate and Stopham Vineyard.”
