Heroine Who Put Others First Right To End Of Her Life

Despite her failing health selfless Dame Vera Lynn displayed the heartache and worry of someone who always put others first during her final interview – with the Daily Express.

- Giles Sheldrick and Mark Reynolds

At the turn of this century the wartime heroine founded a children’s charity to help those born with cerebral palsy and other motor learning impairments.

But in May, at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Dame Vera issued an urgent appeal after its funds were crushed by the crisis.

Since it was founded in 2001 The Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity has helped hundreds of families from across Sussex where she lived and the South-east.

It needs £10,000 to keep going and by the end of this year it must find a further £80,000 to £120,000 if it is to survive and continue helping those most in need.

In what was to be her last interview, published on May 18, Dame Vera told this newspaper: “I would be so very upset if we had to close, as it does so much good work for these children.

Upset

“Like many other small charities who I also feel very sorry for, we have been hit hard.

“We have some wonderful staff who have been raising funds despite the lockdown.

“I very much hope we can keep going and continue to help these children and their families.”

Dame Vera’s daughter Virginia Lewis-Jones echoed her rallying cry, saying: “Mummy will be very upset if it has to close. It has done so much good work.”

After she heard a facility near her home was in danger of closing, Dame Vera stepped in to help.

Since then her charity has helped more than 600 children.