When we think about the legacy we will leave behind, it’s not just about material possessions—it’s about the values we hold dear: love, compassion, and care for those most in need. One of the most profound ways to live those values beyond our lifetime is by making a will and considering a legacy gift to a charity close to your heart which in many ways is the Ultimate Gift.
Why Making a Will Matters
Creating a will is an act of love and responsibility. It ensures that your wishes are respected, your family and friends are cared for, and any potential legal complications are avoided. It also provides an opportunity to extend your generosity to causes that reflect your faith and values. Yet, many people put it off, thinking it’s only for the wealthy or that it can wait. The truth is that every adult should have an up-to-date will. It’s a simple step that brings peace of mind and clarity for those you leave behind.
The Power Of a Legacy Gift
A legacy gift in your will is more than a donation; it’s a statement of hope and compassion that lives on after you’re gone. Having a will allows you to look after your family and friends, while also showing your generosity of spirit by supporting a charity that matters deeply to you. For those who choose to remember LauraLynn, Ireland’s only children’s hospice, that gift becomes a lifeline for children with short and precious lives and their families.
“LauraLynn is a legacy to the all too short lives of our precious girls Laura & Lynn and it is so dear to our hearts always”
Jane McKenna, who founded LauraLynn with her husband Brendan in memory of their daughters Laura and Lynn, shares why they have chosen to leave a gift in their will:
“LauraLynn is a legacy to the all too short lives of our precious girls Laura & Lynn and it is so dear to our hearts always. I have made the decision, together with Brendan, to leave a gift to LauraLynn as I couldn’t think of leaving this world without a last little gesture which I know will mean so much to families and their precious children for whom I care so deeply.”
LauraLynn’s Mission and Impact
LauraLynn exists to provide a Community of Care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Our mission is to deliver specialist care and support that is accessible and equitable for every child who needs it.
In 2024 alone, LauraLynn supported 670 families across 26 counties, offering care in our hospice in Dublin, in family homes, and in hospitals. Our three community hospice teams—based in Dublin, Mallow (Co. Cork), and Ballinasloe (Co. Galway)—ensure that families receive care close to home.
Here’s what that care looks like:
- 3,199 visits to homes, communities, and hospitals
- 1,677 nights of care at our hospice campus in Leopardstown
- 1,386 music and play therapy sessions bringing joy and comfort
- Family camps, sibling days, and bereavement support for parents, siblings and grandparents
- Memory-making services that help families treasure every precious moment with their child
And all of this is provided free of charge, thanks to the generosity of people like you. In 2025 the number of children and their families supported by LauraLynn is expected to increase to 775.
Legacy gifts help us plan for the future, ensuring that no child is turned away and every family receives the vital support they need. They allow children to be children and parents to be Mams and Dads, not full-time carers. This gift of time is priceless to families, allowing them to spend quality time with each other while secure in the knowledge that their child is being taken care of by the kind and compassionate care team in LauraLynn.
Making It Easy: Free Will Services
We understand that writing a will can feel daunting, which is why LauraLynn offers a free will-writing service. Through our partners at LawOnline, you can create your will online from the comfort of your home. For those who prefer a personal touch, our partnership with the Free Wills Network facilitates face-to-face appointments with a solicitor.
Making a will is straightforward, confidential, and ensures your wishes are honoured. You don’t need to be wealthy to make a difference—every gift, no matter the size, helps us care for Ireland’s most vulnerable children.
Your Faith, Your Legacy
A legacy gift to LauraLynn is a way to leave behind a world that is more caring, more compassionate, and more hopeful for children whose lives are short but infinitely precious.
Consider making LauraLynn part of your life story and beyond. Your legacy can be a Legacy of Love—a gift that will help children and families long into the future.
To learn more or to request your legacy pack including information about our free will service visit www.lauralynn.ie or contact our Legacy Fundraising Manager Brian McLoughlin via email at bmcloughlin@lauralynn.ie
