Leaving a gift in your will is one of the best ways that you can ensure that the Lymphoma Association can continue supporting people affected by lymphatic cancers for years ahead. The wills being written now will be a lifeline for the Association in future years.
"I was diagnosed with lymphoma and decided to "put my affairs in order" - not that I was going to die - but I could then put it in the drawer and forget about it for a long time! As a reasonably young person writing a will is not something I had thought of - until now. I don't want my family to have the extra worry at that time. It was a relief to me in a strange way and I felt a lot easier after it was completed.
I had contacted the Lymphoma Association and the Helpline staff were wonderful. I am not a multi-millionaire but I wanted what I do have to be put to some good use and I thought of all the charities around. Obviously the Lymphoma Association was top of the list and I also added others for various reasons.
If only a fraction of people would write their will and "Remember a Charity" then the charities would be able to help a lot more people like myself. Make your will now... once it is done you can forget it and get on with life"!
Karen, a member of the Lymphoma Association
Why should I make a will?
Making a will is an important way to secure the future of your family and friends and to make sure that your wishes are known. To make or update a will we strongly advise that you consult a solicitor. Remember it is one of the most important documents you will ever sign. A simple will should not cost a great deal - ask a solicitor how much they charge before deciding which one to go to.
If you already have a will it is easy to update it. In fact, it's a good idea to check and update your will regularly anyway, for example if you get married or divorced, or if there are new children or grandchildren. If your will doesn't need updating your solicitor can simply add a new section mentioning your chosen charity.
Why should I leave a donation in my will to the Lymphoma Association?
The Association provides information and emotional support direct to anyone whose life is affected by Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphomas, whether patient, family or friend. We also raise awareness of lymphomas, and are working towards securing equity in treatment and adequate funding of treatment. We fund patient centred research about quality of life issues and other concerns important to patients. A donation will ensure the long term future of these services.
The Lymphoma Association has been a member of the 'Remember A Charity' consortium of over 140 UK charities for the past two years. You may have noticed the national newspaper, radio and TV coverage. Our average annual legacy income has been around £4,000 but in 2005 we received an amazing total of £82,500! This has made such a difference by completing the funding for our third Lymphoma Clinical Nurse Specialist.
All donations to charity are tax free, including money left in wills. So if your estate (the total value of all you leave) is liable for Inheritance Tax, you could reduce or avoid this altogether by including a donation to a good cause.
Deciding what to do
There are different ways to help. You could leave a sum of money, an item of value, or the "residue" - what's left after you've provided for your close relatives and friends. Even the smallest sum can make the biggest difference to our future work. We understand that it represents your commitment and dedication to our work, and we will receive it with gratitude and appreciation. Any amount you can afford will be gratefully received and will make a real difference to the future work of the Association.
Simply tell your solicitor that you want to include the Lymphoma Association in your will and what you want to leave, and they'll make the necessary changes. It helps to give the full registered charity number (1068395) and our address.
