Leaving a legacy

Leaving a gift in your Will helps to protect the future of The Children’s Trust.

Every year over 40,000 children acquire a brain injury, and we want to ensure we are here for future generations of children who need our expert services in rehabilitation, education, therapy and care.

A gift in your Will can help us to expand our services and reach more children with brain injury.

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The Children’s Trust was founded on a Legacy

Caring for children at Tadworth Court in Surrey, began in 1927 when Mr Peter Reid left a legacy of £20,000 to create a country branch of Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital (GOSH). Mr Reid could not have anticipated what his gift would go on to achieve.

By 1983 GOSH could no longer sustain their country branch and it was threatened with closure. But, thanks to a high profile campaign including local MP’s, staff and families the organisation was saved, and since 1984 we have been an independent charity known as The Children’s Trust.

Imagine what your legacy could achieve in years to come?

Legacies really do make a huge difference. Quite simply we would not survive and grow without the thoughtfulness of those who plan ahead and leave gifts in their Wills. With your gift, we can continue to be there for the children who need us.

Remembering your support

Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to help the children at The Children’s Trust. As an expression of our gratitude, we enter the names of everyone who left a legacy into our Book of Remembrance, which is displayed in our mansion at Tadworth Court and can be viewed (by appointment).

Sharing your legacy intentions

Your Will is obviously a very personal matter; however, should you wish to share your intentions with us we would love to hear from you. You can let us know your intentions by emailing legacy@thechildrenstrust.org.uk.

Come and visit The Children's Trust

We are very proud of what we do and love to show our supporters around. So, why not come and visit, to see first-hand how gifts in Wills make a difference to the lives of children with brain injuries and multiple disabilities.

Get in touch

To find out more about leaving a gift in your Will, phone our Supporter Care team on 01737 364 349 or email legacy@thechildrenstrust.org.uk

Legacies have most recently helped

Our New Cheyne Therapy Centre

Liam

Thanks to legacy donations totalling £137,995 we opened the New Cheyne Therapy Centre in 2002; a purpose-built bright and inviting therapy and education centre, that offers essential facilities for rehabilitation. It is core to specialist therapy sessions, whether it be taking steps again in the modified gym, attending speech and language sessions or stimulation from the wondrous multi-sensory experiences – this centre is pivotal in development and rehabilitation.

Cedar Garden

ST

Mary Fryer left a £10,000 legacy for the improvement of our sensory garden. Children love being outside; our Cedar Garden is the perfect place for children with brain injury to play safely and engage in multi-sensory experiences outdoors. Fully adapted landscape that provides the freedom to get around in wheelchairs, enabling them to play, grow vegetables and simply enjoy the beautiful plants and flowers around them.

Specially adapted minibus

Nicholas Owen

Thanks to a gift in the Will of Basil and Bunnie Bastin our modified bus was bought with a legacy. It is essential for getting the children to their medical appointments and out and about on outings. It’s used daily, so look out for us!

 

Writing your will

Without a Will, the Government decides on how your estate and money will be distributed, and unlikely to be as you wish. Making a Will is something we should all do. It protects your family, and those who depend on you, and ultimately reduces the distress to your family and friends at a difficult time.

Writing a Will is very simple to do. After deciding on how your estate is to be distributed, you are strongly advised to seek professional assistance with writing a valid Will, by contacting either a solicitor or professional Will writer.

Part of the process of writing a Will is to appoint executors (usually family or friends), so it is advisable to let your chosen executors know about the contents of your Will.

Using a solicitor

To find a solicitor in your local area and information on making a Will, visit The Law Society website or call their enquiry line on 020 7242 1222.

Guidelines on making a Will can also be found on their website or you can download a leaflet, free of charge.

Using a Will Writer

Will writers are under less regulation than Solicitors. It is, therefore, very important that you check they belong to a professional body and follow a code of conduct. The Institute of Professional Will Writers can help you find a suitable will writer, if choose this option.

Types of Legacy - three main types:

Residuary legacy: A percentage of the remainder of your estate, once all other gifts have been distributed and outgoings deducted. This is the most valuable gift you can leave to The Children’s Trust, as it increases in value over time.

Pecuniary legacy: A fixed sum of money (the value of which can decrease over time, as the cost of living increases).

Specific legacy: A specific item such as a property, stocks and shares or a piece of jewellery.

Inheritance Tax (IHT)

IHT rules regularly change, to find out the latest guidelines and the current threshold, visit the HM Revenue and Customs or call the Inheritance Tax and Probate Helpline on 0300 123 1072 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).

Tax Efficient Giving

Giving to charity can reduce the inheritance tax on your estate. The Institute of Fundraising publishes guidelines on tax efficient giving, so take a look at their website.

Updating an existing Will

A suggestion is every five years and particularly if a 'life-event' happens, like birth, death, marriage, separation. You can make minor amendments or changes to your Will by adding something called a Codicil. This is a simple procedure that your solicitor can assist with.

Get in touch

To find out more about leaving a gift in your Will, call our supporter care team on 01737 364 349

Frequently Asked Questions about gifts in Wills

Why should I make a Will?

A Will ensures that your possessions and property are distributed according to your particular wishes after your death. Without a Will, there is no guarantee that your estate will be dealt with as you intended.

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What happens if I do not make a Will?

If you die without making a Will (intestate), your estate will be dealt with according to law. Usually, this means your estate will be left to your next of kin, leaving out other family and friends who you may have also wanted to benefit.

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How do I make a Will?

The best way to make a Will is to see a Solicitor or professional Will Writer. Although your intentions may be simple, the legal formalities and language required are complicated and must be carefully followed. Some people are beginning to opt to write a ‘letter of wishes’, these are not intended to be legally binding, however, offer guidance to Executors on your intentions. It is a separate document from the Will and can provide more confidentiality and flexibility; as it can be changed or replaced as the testator’s circumstances or those of their family change.

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How much does it cost to make a Will?

The cost of making a Will can vary, but usually between £85 and £200. So it is an inexpensive way of ensuring your wishes are carried out. It is strongly recommended you seek professional advice when making a Will to ensure it complies with the detailed legal requirements and is valid. The Law Society can provide you with a list of solicitors in your area.

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What is Inheritance Tax (IHT) and will it apply to me?

Inheritance Tax is a tax payable on the remainder of an estate that is over and above the Inheritance threshold. Most home-owners will be liable to pay IHT on their estate, so check with your Solicitor for the latest threshold before tax is payable.

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Why should I consider leaving a legacy to a charity?

Gifts to a charity are exempt from Inheritance Tax, which means leaving a charitable gift can reduce the amount of tax your estate incurs. A charitable gift can be an affordable way for many people to support their favourite charity, something that might not have been possible during their lifetime.

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Why do I need to review my Will?

It is advised to review your Will whenever you make a significant purchase, such as a house, or there is a change in your family situation, such as a marriage, divorce or birth of a child. If you do not review your Will at these times, your wishes may not be fully reflected in your Will.

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If I want to add a bequest, do I have to write a new Will?

No, you can make minor amendments or changes to your Will by adding a Codicil. This is a simple procedure that your Solicitor can assist you with.

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What if I need to make a change to my Will?

You may need to alter the terms of your Will as circumstances change. This is easy and your Solicitor can help you to do this by adding a to your Will or you may need to update any ‘letters of wishes’ you have written and may be held by your Executor(s).

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If you have any further questions relating to gifts in Wills, please call our Supporter Care team on 01737 364 349 or email supportercare@thechildrenstrust.org.uk