All of us at some time will need to access health and social care services, and the Patients Association is committed to supporting all patients, their carers and their families. Leaving a donation in your Will can allow us to continue providing our helpline, reaching more patients who need help or information about their care. Leaving a legacy can also support our campaigns for the changes to healthcare services that are desperately needed. No matter how big or how small, anything you can give will be greatly appreciated.

How can I leave a legacy?

There are many ways you can leave money in your will. These include:

• Residuary bequests – This is what is left after other specific gifts and bequests to your loved ones or other organisations have been made
• Pecuniary bequests – These are specific gifts of a fixed sum which are bequeathed by a Will. The value of these often decrease as the cost of living goes up
• Specific bequest – These are gifts of specific items, as opposed to money, such as jewellery, stocks or property
• Contingent gift – These are dependent on other events happening. For example, you could stipulate if all the other named beneficiaries of your will predecease you, your estate passes to the organisation or organisations you want it to.

There are many other types of bequest. Talk to your solicitor to find out which one is the right one for you.

Why make a Will?

It is important to make a Will. If a person dies without leaving a Will, the law decides who receives their estate. Your estate will not necessarily pass directly to your partner or children. By making a Will, you can ensure that your wishes are followed after you are gone.

Giving to a charity like the Patients Association can also help you reduce the amount of inheritance tax payable on your estate. Charitable gifts are exempt from inheritance tax and reduce the amount of your estate that is taxable. Tax is currently payable on all assets over £270,000. To find out more about the tax benefits of giving to charity in your Will, please talk to your solicitor.

Who do I leave the legacy to?

If you are making a Will for the first time or want to amend your Will to include a gift to the Patients Association, please include the following address:

Patients Association, P Block, Northwick Park Hospital, Watford Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 3UJ

You will also need to include our charity number: 1006733

Talk to your solicitor about the best wording to ensure all relevant legal aspects are considered.

Thank you for thinking of us

If you do decide to support us by leaving a gift in your Will, then we would like to take this opportunity to offer our heartfelt appreciation. Without your help, the work of the Patients Association would be impossible.

Get in touch

If you would like to speak to someone at the Patients Association about leaving a gift in your Will, please us on 020 8423 9111 or [email protected].