A severely disabled thirteen-year-old boy whose fundraising helped to save the Lake District Calvert Trust from closure has launched a new campaign with the charity to highlight the importance of legacies.
Oliver Voysey last month collected the Prime Minister’s Points of Light award having previously brought Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby’s This Morning viewers to tears through his inspirational fundraising on behalf of the Lake District Calvert Trust.
When he was just two days old, Oliver suffered a brain injury that resulted in sight loss and the development of cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, and learning difficulties.
Despite this, he completed a range of against the odds challenges as part of his “Oliver’s Calvert Army” challenge, eventually raising nearly £250,000.
Last year, as the pandemic escalated and lockdown was imposed, many charities decided to stop legacy marketing activities – although the Law Society reported a 30 per cent increase in demand for wills.
Oliver’s mother Sarah, herself a former charity fundraiser, says that despite the horrific human cost of COVID-19, legacy fundraising has never been more important.
Devastating loss of income
“The pandemic has resulted in a devastating loss of income for charities such as Calvert Lakes, with fundraising activities severely restricted,” said Sarah.
“For Calvert, every legacy, large or small, makes a massive difference and translates into joyous, life-changing experiences for thousands of disabled children and adults.
“Oliver’s legacy has been to create his army and what we want to do next is to encourage people to remember the Calvert Trust in their wills. That way, we can help other families create memories thanks to other legacies. We want more people to benefit from this incredibly special place. Calvert has given Oliver experiences we didn’t think were possible.”
Demonstrating the point, a recent £100,000 legacy to the Lake District Calvert Trust paid for essential refurbishments to the centre in advance of its reopening in June. The COVID-19 lockdown had previously forced Calvert Lakes to close its doors, resulting in lost income of £1 million.
Other legacies play a vital role in maintaining Calvert’s unique facilities and specially adapted equipment such as its wheelchair-accessible high ropes course – the first of its kind in the UK – fully accessible multi-sensory hydrotherapy pool, zip wire, sailing dinghies and accessible bikes.
There’s also riding stables with indoor and outdoor areas, a viewing gallery, lifts and electronic hoists.
Importance of legacies
Giles Mounsey-Heysham, chairman of the trustees at the Lake District Calvert Trust confirmed the importance of legacies to the charity.
“Although through very sad circumstances, the legacies we have received recently will have a massive impact, aiding the recovery and continuation of our service in the longer term for many thousands of people with disabilities. Our services are needed more than ever now because of the pandemic,” he said.
Fundraising manager at the Lake District Calvert Trust, Jennifer Scott expressed similar sentiments.
“Legacies, small or large, make a lasting difference,” she said.
“For Calvert Lakes, they are a hugely important part of our fundraising drive, providing funding for essential developments and enabling us to continue our service in the long term.
“As a charity, we are reliant on the generosity of those who believe in our aims. We welcome support which enables those with the most complex and profound disabilities to experience the joy and life-enhancing benefits of the Calvert experience.”
Asked what she would say to anyone considering leaving a legacy to the Calvert Trust in their will, Jennifer added: “Please don’t ever underestimate the difference you can make to the many thousands of children and adults with disabilities that benefit from a visit to the Lake District Calvert Trust.”
