Carrying Forward a Family Tradition of Compassion
Ann has chosen to include a gift in her Will to Save the Children.
Giving a future of hope for generations of children to come, no matter where they live or their background.
Here Ann explains why supporting Save the Children with a legacy is important to her.
Children don't ask to be born into conflict or poverty, they just arrive there, which is so sad... It's about giving something that you know is going to be used sensibly.
A legacy rooted in family
Ann was born and raised in Caerphilly, Wales, where her mum Betty was one of the early members of the local Save the Children branch.
As a young girl, Ann remembers being “dragged” to fundraising sales and coffee mornings—never imagining that one day she’d be leading the charge herself.
“I suppose it is carrying on my mother's legacy.”
After marrying Huw in 1981, the couple moved to Kent and London, where they raised their daughter Rhian. But when retirement came, they returned to their roots in Caerphilly—and Ann found herself stepping into her mother’s shoes.
When the Chair of the local Save the Children branch died suddenly in 2011, Ann took over. What had once been “mum’s thing” became her own mission.
Ann, who is leaving a gift in her will to Save the Children, looks at a photo of herself and mum Betty - at home in Caerphilly, Wales
Giving back with purpose
Now a legacy pledger, fundraiser, and speaker for Save the Children, Ann is passionate about our work—both internationally and here in the UK.
“It is the charity that I would instinctively give money to and do things for.”
She’s especially vocal about the need in Welsh valley communities, where families are struggling and support is vital.
“Five pounds or ten pounds probably doesn't seem like a lot to people these days, but to a child who's got nothing, it's the world.”
Seeing the impact first-hand
In 2019, Ann visited Save the Children’s programme work in India. What she saw moved her deeply—and inspired her to include Save the Children in her will.
It's seeing those tangible things, what Save the Children can do and where the money goes... I just felt as if it was something that I wanted to do.
Ann looks at a photo of her 2019 trip to India to see STC programme Marriage, No Child's Play
Building resilience for the future
Ann trusts Save the Children because of how we work—with communities, not just for them.
“I like that they work with local people and train local people up. They're not there holding hands... It's building resilience, communities and the next generation.”
Her dream is simple but powerful: that every child has enough food to eat, clothes to wear, and the chance to learn.
“It's just what you'd want every child to have—a happy childhood.”
Want to learn more? Request your Free Gifts in Wills Guide
Ann’s story is a beautiful reminder that legacy giving isn’t just about money—it’s about hope, values, and the belief that every child deserves a fair start in life.
We’ve made it our mission to help children – especially those at risk of being left behind – get a healthy start, be safe from harm, and have the chance to learn.
But we cannot do this alone. Every year, legacies from gifts in Wills generate millions of pounds, helping us invest in ground-breaking programmes, helping children and communities in the UK and around the world.
We're here to help, every step of the way
Our Legacy Relationship Manager, Sue Robertson is always on hand and happy to chat with you if you have any questions or would like advice. Sue is here to help you with:
- Questions about writing or updating your will
- Questions about the different kinds of gifts you can leave
- Questions about how your gift will be used
- Questions about our work
You can contact Sue on 020 7012 6400 or email [email protected].
