By Mencap
Mary and David Lodge were proud parents to their three children, Julia, Stephen and Christopher, who has a learning disability A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things. . After their parents passed away, Julia created tribute pages to raise money for Mencap and reflect on their lives.
“Chris has just turned 60, and as far as I can remember, he's always been around. But for my parents, Chris being born with
Down syndrome
Down syndrome, also known as Down's syndrome, is a type of disability. People with Down syndrome may find it hard to learn new things and may need support. They may have more problems with their health too.
introduced them to a whole new world.”
Mary and David were passionate advocates for people with a learning disability.
“Over the years my parents were active in approaching their MP to make sure people with a learning disability weren’t lost in whatever latest policy change was happening.”
“I remember at one point there was a big movement to get people with a learning disability living independently. At the time, Chris was in communal living and enjoyed it. My parents kept hearing ‘all people with a learning disability must live independently’ and they thought ‘why?’. Not all people with a learning disability have the same needs. We can’t put people into a box.”
When their parents passed away, Julia and Stephen set up MuchLoved pages: a lasting online tribute where you can share memories, add funeral details, and fundraise in-memory.
“My father’s funeral was a big event, with people all around the world emailing me about it. MuchLoved was a convenient way share the funeral details at a stressful time, and had the page not suggested we raise money we might not have considered it.”
“We chose to fundraise for Mencap because it was a cause both my parents had been committed to. I’ve seen Chris go from a cute little baby to a thriving young person, to a middle-aged man and beyond. Over those years he’s been helped by all different types of people. Supporting organisations Organisations are groups like companies and businesses. like Mencap, who help people with a learning disability to do whatever it is they choose, is important to us.”
Creating the tribute pages were also a chance to reflect on her parent’s legacies.
“It was great to have somewhere for everyone to share memories. My father was an author and had been very supportive of other individuals in their writing journeys, so they wanted somewhere to thank him, add their thoughts, and write messages.”
If you’d like a place to remember your loved one while raising vital funds for Mencap, you can create a free tribute page with our trusted partner, MuchLoved.
“Christopher has a really good life and has tried many things. He’s a bit of an artist and even sold a couple of paintings. Supporting Mencap is something our whole family is interested in. I’m sure my parents would be pleased with the money raised in their memory"
The picture of the seagull is by Christopher.
