For many years, I really didn’t take an active interest in Charitable Organisations, apart from small donations, here and there, when approached directly by charities.

This all changed when I met a young country girl called Mary who was 7 years old. Mary had a genetic disease which basically had caused her to become immobile as her legs wasted away. 

A friend of mine was involved in an organisation which organised automated wheelchairs for young country girls and boys, and Mary was one of the beneficiaries. When she received her automatic wheelchair, Mary’s face showed the most wonderful joy.

After that, two thoughts kept coming back to me. The first was a hope that one day we would make wheelchairs redundant, and secondly why should I reach the age I was then (and now) in relatively good health, whilst this little girl, who has done no wrong, had to suffer such a terrible genetic disorder.

Around this time, I then became aware of Children's Medical Research Institute and was so impressed by the wonderful people who work there. They have such great skills and show the most amazing work ethic in seeking to ensure that children, such as Mary, will not have to worry about terrible genetic diseases in the future.

As well as the donations I make, I recently decided that I should make a more significant contribution, and I decided to leave a gift in my Will to support their work.

As expected, members of my fantastic family, all of whom have young and healthy little children, have fully supported my decision and are understanding of my choice.

Everyone follows their own paths to help young children and I praise everyone who takes such action. For me, my path is by way of a gift in my Will to help other children like Mary. I wish Mary was still with us.