A Dublin couple have told how they plan to leave some of their estate to butterfly-skin charity Debra Ireland in their will – and are urging others to do likewise.
Former finance director and current consultant Peter, 67, and Dee Byers, 69, a former occupational therapist from Blackrock, Co Dublin, are contributors to the charity, which supports people living with the horrific skin disease epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and their families.
It also funds research to find treatments and a cure for the condition.
The skin of people with EB blisters at the slightest touch, which means that painful bandaging must be applied at least every 48 hours – and sometimes daily.
“We have decided to leave a percentage of our estate to Debra Ireland, a charity we have a personal connection to since our daughter Michelle started working there,” said Peter.
“We have learned so much about EB since she started working there, about the people who live with the condition, their families and also the support that Debra gives them.
“But we’ve also learned about the exciting research that is being conducted in UCD with the support of Debra Ireland, into finding treatment and possibly even a cure for EB.
“What attracted us to leaving a gift in our will is that although we make a contribution to Debra through their fundraising initiatives during the year, it is a more modest amount compared to what we can leave in our estate.
“We feel strongly that this is one of the most meaningful ways we can support families living with EB, by leaving a legacy to this organisation that we’re very passionate about after we’re gone.
“Dee and I feel privileged to be able to support Debra’s important work – it means a lot to us.”
Jayde Smith, Debra Ireland’s Donor Care Executive, said patients and families are at the core of everything the charity does.
“We are driven in supporting research for effective treatments for EB and dedicated to alleviating the difficulties experienced by people living with EB,” she said.
“A gift in your will to Debra Ireland will ensure we can continue to transform the lives of people with EB and their families for years to come.
“It will help us provide the best care, to advocate for our EB community, and to make long-term plans to develop treatments and find a cure.”
If you have any questions or would like more information about why a legacy gift is important to us contact Debra Ireland’s donor care executive Jayde Smith on (01) 412-6924 or email: jayde@debraireland.org.
