A message from Appeals Manager, John Nickson.
"It is impossible to stress how important legacy income is to us. Being one of our largest single sources of income it makes a massive contribution to the positive effect we can have on people's lives. The most important thing you can do is to make a will ensuring that your family is properly and adequately provided for. Having done that, if you are making any charitable provision, please consider St Catherine's. The care we provide for local people is beyond price for those who benefit and your legacy will help us to be able to continue to provide that care.
By its very nature, it is impossible to thank those who leave us a legacy. To enable me to thank you, please let me know if you are including St Catherine's in your Will.. Obviously we hope your gift will be a long time in coming but it will give me the opportunity to thank you now and tell you how much your kindness is appreciated."
In the interests of your family, relatives, friends and those good causes you have supported during your lifetime - make the decision to make a Will now!!
If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact either your solicitor or the Appeals Manager at St Catherine's Hospice.
Why is it important I make a will?
Ask yourself the following:
If you died, who would receive the benefit of your estate? Your wife, husband, partner, children, friends?
Not necessarily if you have not made a will!
In the absence of a Will the law decides how your estate would be divided. Could you be sure it would act in the way you would have wanted. Of course not! The law does not know you, your thoughts or your wishes. Indeed the Government could end up benefiting!
The only certain way for your estate to be distributed in the way you would wish, is to make a Will.
Do you realise that bequests and legacies can be tax efficient?
Do you know what makes a Will legal?
Once your family and friends are provided for would you like to benefit your favourite charities? For peace of mind of yourself and your family, it is essential you seek professional advice.
Q: How do I go about making a Will?
Go and see a Solicitor.
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Q: Is it expensive?
No. The cost will vary according to how complicated the Will is but is often less than £100. Cheap when you consider how much anguish and hardship could be caused to a loved one if you don't make a Will.
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Q: Is it difficult?
No. Your Solicitor will guide you through it.
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Q: What should I do before I go to see the solicitor?
Go prepared. Make a list of your assets. e.g. savings, property, insurance policies, jewellery etc. Also any liabilities such as mortgage or loans. Have the names and addresses of your beneficiaries, particularly those to whom you are leaving specific items and any charities you wish to benefit.
Think who you would like as your Executor, the person you feel will best ensure your wishes are carried out when you die. Make sure that this person is happy to take on that role.
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Q: I already have a Will - should I update it?
An individual's circumstances are always changing. You may have re-married, become divorced, your estate may have increased greatly in value.
It is always wise to keep your Will regularly updated.
Remember:
A Will that is out of date is of little value to anyone. It may have unintended and unfortunate results, or could even be unenforceable
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Q: I have made adequate provision for my family and friends. How do I leave a legacy to St Catherine's Hospice?
Ask your solicitor to include in your Will one of the forms of words as follows:
For your Solicitor:
It is easy to leave a legacy to St Catherine's Hospice.
You will need to use the following wording in your Will, so take this information with you when you visit your Solicitor.
If you are leaving a specific bequest, i.e. an exact sum of money or a specific item:-
"I give the sum of £.... (or the item to be specified) to St Catherine's Hospice, Lostock Lane, Lostock Hall, Preston, Lancashire PR5 5XU for its general charitable purposes. I further direct that the receipt of the Appeals Manager, Administrator or other proper Officer of St Catherine's Hospice, for the time being shall be a full and sufficient discharge for the said legacy."
If you are leaving all or part of the residue of your estate, i.e. the residue is what is left from your estate after you have made specific bequests:-
"I give (enter the word 'all' or 'share') of the residue of my estate to St Catherine's Hospice, Lostock Lane, Lostock Hall, Preston, Lancashire PR5 5XU for its general charitable purposes. I further direct that the receipt of the Appeals Manager, Administrator or other proper Officer of St Catherine's Hospice a full and sufficient discharge for the said legacy"
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A legacy to St Catherine's Hospice will help us to:
- provide specialist care to local people at the time of their greatest need
- maintain and develop the range of care services we offer
- maintain and develop that care for future generations
- provide support for the family
- continue to work with others to develop specialist palliative care within local health services
- support, through education, a range of health professionals working in the local community
For any more help or advice please contact your Solicitor or the Appeals Office.
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