Lyn’s son Mark arrived at the Sutherland District Hospital south of Sydney in 1979. The joy of his mother quickly turned to shock and concern when they were told that he was born with a dangerous combination of health problems.

Mark was born five weeks prematurely with the condition H-type Fistula affecting one in 375,000 children at that time. This condition means that food and liquid can make their way into the lungs resulting in serious and life-threatening respiratory conditions. Adding to an already complicated situation, baby Mark also had a cleft lip and cleft palate.   

Shortly after Mark’s birth, he was transferred to the Prince of Wales Children's Hospital (now Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick). At the time, baby Mark's future was uncertain – it was even suggested Lyn might want to baptise him. Lyn’s mother’s intuition held her back and she said, ‘No, I’ll have him baptised later’.

Mark had several major operations and even spent 10 months of his little life in the Intensive Care Unit. 

The results were extraordinary - he could eat without a feeding tube and his harelip and cleft palate would also recover from surgery.

Image care of The Sun Herald, 26 May 1985

Mark not only went on to fully recover but is now married with two beautiful children of his own and living in north Queensland.   

Lyn attributes Mark’s survival to the medical teams who worked so hard on this courageous little boy. Mark’s survival was a miracle.  

‘I’m a retired Mum. I may not be in the position to make a significant donation today but through my Will I can in the future. Any gift I leave, I know, will go to help little babies like Mark to survive and thrive’ - Lyn Cecil, Planned Giver

Lyn is leaving a gift in her Will to Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, because by leaving a gift in Will, wonders will never cease.

‘During Include a Charity Week, I would encourage everyone to leave a gift in their Will to Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation. As little as 1% can make all the difference to future generations of babies, like Mark, who need medical help when they are critically ill’, said Lyn.   

If you would like to further discuss anything about how to make a Will or if you would like more information on how to include Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation in your Will, please visit our webpage or contact our friendly Planned Giving Team on 1800 770 122 or plannedgiving@schf.org.au.