BGL in the community….

BGL Wealth is delighted to be supporting The Lily Foundation, a locally based charity (registered no. 1122071).

The Lily Foundation was set up in memory of Lily Merritt, who died aged 8 months of a Mitochondrial Disease. Lily was diagnosed when she was just 7 weeks old and the doctors told her parents that she would survive only a few days. Lily defied this prognosis and survived for 6 further months, giving her family precious weeks and months with her. It was during this 6 months that Lily's parents realised how little support was available for families affected by Mitochondrial Disease and how little information was available. So the charity was formed, with a three point mission - to fund research, raises awareness and supports families who are affected by Mitochondrial Disease.

What is Mitochondrial Disease?
In almost every cell in our body we have Mitochondria. The Mitochondria provide the energy for the cell to survive. When someone has Mitochondrial Disease their Mitochondria doesn't work properly which leads to organ failure and is ultimately fatal. There is currently no effective treatment and no cure.

At the Lily Foundation they want to change that. They fund vital research to improve diagnosis, develop better treatments, and eventually they hope to find a cure. In the meantime, they aim to raise awareness of the condition and provide essential support to affected families who often feel very isolated and alone. Your support is their support!

There is a lovely animation which explains Mitochondrial Disease and what The Lily Foundation does. You can watch this HERE

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Ben and BGL Wealth for supporting our special charity.

Liz Curtis

The Lily Foundation
Founder, CEO and Lily’s mum