Jasvinder's story
Giving back
Jasvinder Khosa
Why I support Connect
Jasvinder Khosa has pledged to leave a legacy to Connect. His gift will help us to continue providing life-changing support for people with aphasia.
Jasvinder has had aphasia since a sudden brain haemorrhage in 1992. He has since become a trustee at Connect. Having recently updated his will, Jasvinder decided to include a legacy to Connect and another charity he supports. He has given us some thoughts on why he left a gift to Connect and why he thinks it’s important to leave a legacy in your will.
Why do you think it is important to have a will?
I have no real philosophy of life after death, I have for instance agreed to donate my organs, in particular my brain, to science. I feel the same way about my will. It gives me a warm feeling knowing that when I die, something good will come of it and someone will benefit.
You have only recently updated your will. What made you decide that now was the time?
Through my experience I have learnt that something can happen so suddenly, out of nowhere. It’s important to prepare so that if something were to happen you would have peace of mind, knowing that the people and causes that you cared about would benefit from your will.
Why do you think it is important to leave gifts to causes you support?
I have left some money to my family and I know that they will be okay. I know that they will be able to put food on the table and continue with their lives. Beyond my family, I feel it is my moral duty to give back to society. I want to repay what I have taken out. I strongly believe in active citizenship so I want to give something back to the causes that have impacted upon my life. I hope my legacy will mean that they can have the same positive impact on other people in the future.
Why have you decided to leave a gift to Connect?
Without Connect my life would be limited, Connect enabled me to re-connect with the world. I believe that confidence is built on relationships, Connect has given me relationships. Through Connect I’ve got my life back so I feel a duty to give back to the cause. I’m not rich but I know the money that I am able to leave to Connect will be well spent and will benefit a large amount of people. I know first hand the difference that Connect can make so to help to provide that for more people is hugely gratifying. I personally have started a support group for people with aphasia in Bradford because there is simply no other support available. If Connect was able to achieve it’s aims of providing support nationwide then no one with aphasia need feel isolated or lost. It really can make a huge difference.
What advice do you have for people who are considering leaving a legacy in their a will?
It is important to realise that the amount you leave doesn’t matter, it’s just having security in the knowledge that you can help to make a difference to people who might need support in the future.
What would you say to people who are worried about making a will because of their aphasia?
I was surprised by how easy it was to make a will, I got in contact with a friend who put me in contact with a solicitor and they did nearly all the work. I didn’t have to fill out any forms, they just asked me questions to establish what I wanted to do. I would recommend taking a trusted friend or witness if you are worried about being able to communicate your wishes.