Legacies - a gift of life

When making our Will we think about those closest to us, our family and loved ones, and they must always come first - but it is also an ideal opportunity to leave a lasting gift to charity.

As well as having the satisfaction of knowing that you have made provision for those you love, why not use the chance to bringing lasting change to the lives of people in need?

You don't have to be well off to leave a legacy to charity. In fact, one in 6 people in the UK belong to a very special group. These ordinary, yet very special, people are those who leave one or more gifts to charity in their Will. Many of them have had to watch the pennies carefully throughout their life but find that, through their Will, they can unlock their assets to benefit others. Together they transform the future for charities and the individuals and communities they help around the world.

Just imagine the difference your legacy could make

One such person left a legacy to ActionAid and the money was used to help poor communities in Sierra Leone build 9 wells. Now people have clean water to drink and this has transformed the lives of around 24,000 people. Imagine using your Will to provide a gift of life such as this.

If you choose to leave a gift to one or more of the Will Aid charities, this will enable future generations to benefit. Your gift can be specific (a defined amount of money) or, since none of us really know what anything will be worth years or decades into the future, the charities prefer you to leave a share of your estate, after loved ones have been provided for. Whether the legacy is large or small, it will make a real and lasting difference to people's lives.

Leaving a legacy could also save inheritance tax - a complex subject that your solicitor will be able to advise you on - directing the money you have worked so hard for all your life to your chosen charity rather than the tax man.

Leaving a gift to one or more of the Will Aid charities will help build a brighter future for so many people young and old in the UK and around the world. Click here to find out more about the Will Aid charities' inspirational work.