A cancer diagnosis can turn your world upside down. Your legacy will help us to reach more people and provide the calming support they need, when they need it most.
Gift in wills
A gift in your will to Wessex Cancer Support is more than a donation, it’s a powerful promise that no one will face cancer alone. It costs nothing now, but could mean everything in the future.
We understand that the people you elect to remember in your Will can be a very personal and private decision. Your circumstances may have changed in recent years and now could be a good time to get around to making or amending your will.
For many people, leaving a gift to a charity in their Will is a natural extension of the support they have shown during their lifetime.
Your wishes regarding the use of any gift are very important to us. Our legacy services team can speak to you in confidence about areas of our work you might like to support. Any discussion is in no way compulsory.
How to leave a gift to Wessex Cancer Support in your willÂ
Leaving a gift in your will means the support you or a loved one valued, can continue for someone else, long after you’re gone.
If the time is ever right for you to remember a charity in your will, please consider Wessex Cancer Support. Every gift – however large or small – makes a huge difference. Even 1% (so those closest to you inherit 99%) or a modest sum of money will leave a lasting legacy.
The simplest way to do this is to speak to a solicitor. You’ll just need our charity name, address and registered charity number to include us in your will. (You can find all of these details listed in the footer section of this webpage, below).
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Contact us to learn more
Complete our form
−If you prefer not to complete the form, please call 023 8067 2200 or email fundraising@wessexcancer.org.uk to get your free guide.
Why leave a gift in your will?
Leaving a gift to charity in your will is a powerful way to make a lasting difference. While it doesn’t affect your day-to-day finances, it ensures that the causes you care about continue to thrive for generations to come.
By including Wessex Cancer Support in your will, you can help local people affected by cancer access free emotional and practical support, from counselling and complementary therapies to wellbeing activities and community groups.
Every legacy, large or small, has the potential to provide reassurance, comfort and strength to people at a time when they need it most. It’s your chance to leave a lasting legacy of care, compassion, and community impact.
Learn more about creating a will
If you’re unsure about whether you’re ready to create a will, take this quick quiz from Octopus Legacy.
Complete the quiz hereWill-writing service paid for by us for our supporters
Octopus Legacy, formerly known as Guardian Angel, is one of the UK’s fastest-growing will-writing services. They make creating a will simple, quick, and stress-free, with every will checked by a qualified legal expert.
Thinking about death can feel like a cold process, but Octopus Legacy can help you shape a legacy that connects you to the people you care about, and in your own way.Â
Perhaps you want to co-create a legacy online from the comfort of your own home, or would appreciate support from experts over the phone or in-person?
Maybe you’ve seen the difference Wessex Cancer Support has made to the lives of people affected by cancer and would like to pledge a gift in your will to ensure we can continue to provide this vital support.     Â
Octopus Legacy is offering a will-writing service, paid for by Wessex Cancer Support, for anyone considering leaving a gift in their will.
Simply click the link below and use the voucher code WESSEXCANCERFREE to claim your free will today.
For those who prefer a more personal approach, Octopus Legacy also provides telephone and face-to-face will-writing appointments with solicitors. To book, please call their team on 0800 773 4014.
We always recommend obtaining independent advice from a solicitor before making a legacy pledge or gift.
With thanks to Octopus Legacy for making legacy giving simple and accessible.
Useful information for Executors
If you are the Executor of a will that includes a gift to Wessex Cancer Support, thank you for helping to carry out these important wishes. To make the process as smooth as possible, you will need our charity name, address and registered charity number to include us in your will. (You can find all of these details listed in the footer section of this webpage, below).
When it’s convenient to do so, please let us know about the legacy and our team will be there to offer any support or can provide any information you require.
We’ll also acknowledge the gift with gratitude and, if appropriate, share how the donation will be used to support local people affected by cancer. We understand this may be a difficult time and we are here to help make administering the gift as straightforward as possible.
Further advice for Executors, including how to get a Grant of Probate. Tips on gathering assets and debts, paying inheritance tax and distributing estates in line with the will (including charitable gifts), can be found on the Cancer Research UK website here.
Other providers are available to support with leaving legacies in your will, should you choose to do so. You can find a qualified solicitor close to you by visiting The Law Society’s website.
Frequently asked questions about leaving a gift in your will
Why should I leave a gift in my will to Wessex Cancer Support?
−A gift in your will ensures that future generations across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight can access free emotional and practical cancer support. It’s a lasting way to make a difference in our community.
Do I need to be wealthy to leave a gift in my will?
+Not at all. Even a small percentage of your estate or a modest fixed sum can have a huge impact on the lives of people affected by cancer.
What types of gifts can I leave?
+You can leave a share of your estate (a residuary gift), a specific sum of money (a pecuniary or cash gift) or a particular item (such as property or jewellery). You can also leave a gift in trust for someone to use over a period of time; when that time has ended, the gift can be passed on to other recipients, such as a charity.
Your solicitor can advise you on the best option for your circumstances.
Do I need to tell Wessex Cancer Support if I include a gift in my will?
+You don’t have to but if you choose to let us know, we can thank you and keep you updated on how your generosity will make a difference.
Please contact us
Email: fundraising@wessexcancer.org.uk
Telephone: 023 8067 2200
Will leaving a gift in my will affect my family and loved ones?
+Your loved ones always come first. After you’ve provided for them, many people choose to leave a gift to a charity that’s important to them.
Can I change my will later if my circumstances change?
+Yes. You can update your will at any time by speaking to your solicitor and adding a codicil or making a new will.
Is leaving a gift to charity tax efficient?
+Yes. Gifts to charity are usually exempt from Inheritance Tax and can sometimes reduce the overall amount of tax payable on your estate. Your solicitor can give you detailed advice.
