Recently, Edison Smart made a donation to Dragonflies – The Oli France Foundation, a charity being launched in memory of Oli France, a little boy who left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew him.
For us, this is a cause that feels especially close to home. Our Co-Founder, Ben, has been family friends with Oli’s parents for many years and has seen first-hand the love, strength and resilience they have shown throughout their journey.
In November 2024, Oli passed away aged just three, after living with a rare genetic brain condition called Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia (PCH). While his life was far too short, the impact he had on his family, friends and wider community was extraordinary.
As a company built on people and relationships, supporting Dragonflies was never really a question for us.
Turning Loss into Something More
Following Oli’s passing, his parents made the incredibly brave decision to create something positive from the most devastating experience imaginable.
Dragonflies – The Oli France Foundation has been created to support families caring for children with life-limiting conditions. Its mission is simple but powerful: helping families create memories together, connect with others who understand their journey, and feel less alone.
Anyone who has spent time around families in these circumstances knows how much of life can become focused on hospital appointments, treatments and uncertainty. Moments of normality become precious. Time together becomes everything.
The memories Oli’s family were able to create through the support of charities during his life are now some of the things they hold closest. Through Dragonflies, they want other families to have those same opportunities.
63 Miles for Oli
To launch the charity, Oli’s parents are taking on an incredible challenge.
On 18th and 19th July, they will walk 63 miles along the South West Coast Path from St Ives to Trevone.
The route was chosen for a reason. Trevone was one of Oli’s favourite places. He loved the sea, being outdoors and feeling connected to nature. It was somewhere he seemed truly content.
Finishing the challenge there feels like a fitting way to honour his memory.
The aim is to raise £20,000 to help Dragonflies begin supporting families who are facing the reality of caring for a child with a life-limiting condition.
Oli’s Legacy
It’s impossible to read Oli’s story without being moved by it.
Not simply because of the heartbreak his family have experienced, but because of the love that sits at the centre of everything they are doing now. Dragonflies isn’t just a charity. It’s a continuation of Oli’s story.
It’s a way of ensuring that other families receive support, create lasting memories and find comfort in knowing they are not alone.
For all of us at Edison Smart, it is a privilege to support that mission.
How You Can Help
We’re incredibly proud of Oli’s family for turning unimaginable loss into something that will help others. Please consider supporting Dragonflies – The Oli France Foundation with us.
Whether that’s through a donation, fundraising, sharing their story or simply helping spread awareness, every bit of support will help make a difference.
Some people leave a mark on the world far bigger than the time they spend in it. We are honoured to support Oli’s legacy.
Join us and donate here
