Leave a legacy in your will

Few of us like to think about dying, but making a will is an important part of safeguarding the future of those nearest and dearest to you. It also enables you to make special gifts and to remember some of your favourite charities - and by doing so you may be able to avoid unnecessary taxes on your estate.

A gift in your will to Cancer and Polio Research Fund is a vital part of ensuring the future of our world-leading research. With your help we can develop better treatments for people affected by cancer and do more towards conquering the disease.

Writing a will is not something you should attempt yourself. We would always advise that you consult a solicitor to do so, and that you check from time to time that your will is up-to-date and properly reflects your wishes.

There are a several different kinds of gift you can leave. The most common are described below.

Residuary bequest - a gift of the remainder of your estate after all other bequests have been made and debts cleared.

Pecuniary bequest - a gift of a fixed sum of money. As the cost of living increases over time, the value of this type of gift will decrease.

Specific bequest - a particular named item left as a gift - for example a piece of jewellery or a house.

Contingent bequest - a gift that depends on an event which may or may not happen. An example is a bequest to a charity which applies only if other beneficiaries named in the will die before you.

If you are considering leaving us a gift in your will, please contact us for more advice.