Giving a donation is probably the simplest way for you to help make a difference at St Raphael’s Hospice.
Make a Will and leave a Legacy to St Raphael's Hospice
make your WILL Fortnight 12th to 26th May 2008
Legacies make a real difference to life at St Raphael’s. Hospice care is not just about buildings – it is about people, caring, understanding, supporting and encouraging each other. It is also about offering the reassurance of skilled medical and nursing care, whilst still recognising everyone as an individual and as a special person. To provide such a service is costly – more than £2.5 million must be raised from the local community every year. Yet surely it is worth every penny?
How to leave a legacy to St Raphael’s Hospice
Most people consult a solicitor when they make or change their will and St Raphael’s Hospice strongly recommends this. It usually costs a great deal less than you think, ensures that your wishes are carried out and helps to avoid misunderstanding later on.
Here is an example of suitable wording.
For a residuary legacy, which means that you leave all or part of what is left from your estates once all other gifts have been distributed. This is one of the best ways you can help support St Raphael’s Hospice.
"I bequeath the residue (or a share of the residue e.g. one quarter) of my estate to St Raphael’s Hospice, London Road, North Cheam, Sutton, Surrey SM3 9DX (Registered charity number 1068661) for the general purposes of the Hospice and declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or Secretary or other proper officer for the time being of the Hospice shall be a sufficient discharge to my executor(s)".
For a pecuniary legacy, which is a gift of fixed sum of money. This can be index-linked to maintain its value over time.
"I give to St Raphael’s Hospice, London Road, North Cheam, Sutton, Surrey SM3 9DX (Registered charity number 1068661) the sum of £…………. For the general purposes of the Hospice and declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or Secretary or other proper officer for the time being of the Hospice shall be sufficient discharge to my executor(s)".
Why make a Will at all?
Spending a little time and money on plans for the future is just common sense.
Three out of four people never make a will. The result is that distressed relatives are often left to sort things out at a time when they are under great emotional strain.
By making a will, you can have peace of mind that you have made adequate provision for those you care for, and the knowledge that your wishes will be carried out. Making a will is just another way of expressing your love and concern for your family and friends.
If you do not make a will, and have no next of kin, everything you own goes to the state.
If you die without making a will, the law decides how your possessions will be divided. This may not be in the way you would have wished. Some people think, quite mistakenly, that everything goes to their wife or husband if no will is made. In fact only a portion of the estate passes to the spouse. The rest must be shared amongst children or relations.
Even if you have already made a will, it is vital that it is kept up-to-date.
You may want to amend your will when a new grandchild arrives, or you may wish to remember special friends or charities you have supported.
For further details on making a Will, please visit:
