Questions about gifts in Wills

A gift in a Will (sometimes also known as a legacy) is a way of leaving something to a person, charity or group after your die. There are different types of gifts you can leave in your Will depending on how you want the person or organisation to benefit.

Many people choose to leave a gift to charity, especially if they have a connection to the cause, to help let their values and legacy live on for years to come.

There are a few simple ways to leave a gift:

• A share of your estate (known as a residuary gift)
• A fixed amount of money (known as a pecuniary gift)
• A specific item, such as jewellery or property.

Many people choose to leave a percentage of what remains in their estate, as this keeps pace with inflation over time.

We always recommend you use a solicitor or professional Will writer to write or update your Will. Getting professional advice can help to ensure your Will is valid and your wishes are clear.

Yes. Your Will should reflect your life and wishes, so it’s important to review it after major life events such as marriage, bereavement, moving house or becoming a parent or grandparent.

Giving a gift to Sue Ryder could reduce your inheritance tax liability as gifts left to charity are tax-free.

If you leave 10% or more of your net estate to charity in your Will then the overall amount of inheritance tax you have to pay will reduce from 40% to 36%.

There is no obligation, but many supporters choose to let us know. It gives us the opportunity to thank your properly, understand your wishes and keep you updated about the difference gifts in Wills like yours can make.

Most of our supporters choose to leave their gift unrestricted, this enables us to use it where it has the greatest impact. However, if you wish to leave your gift to a particular service, you can and we are always very grateful.

For the right wording for your Will to leave your gift to a particular location or service, please do not hesitate to contact our Gift in Wills team.

We understand how important it is to know your money will be spent wisely.

Any donations we receive will always be used to achieve the greatest impact for the people we care for. All of our services are equally funded on the basis of need in each area.

We would be delighted to arrange for you to visit one of our hospices so you can see the impact your gift will have in person. Contact our Gift in Wills team to talk to us about this.

We have created a free guide to leaving Sue Ryder a gift in your Will, which will answer many more of your questions.

Download or order a print version of your free gifts in Wills guide

You are also very welcome to contact our Gift in Wills team who can help you with you with any questions you might have.

This is our promise to you:

• We understand loved ones come first. Those you care about will always be of paramount importance in your Will. We’ll be grateful for anything you can spare once they are provided for.
• We will never pressure you. We understand that choosing to leave a gift in your Will is a personal, sensitive decision that takes consideration and time.
• We will always respect your privacy. Any information you choose to share with us will be treated with the utmost respect and in the strictest confidence.
• We will use your gift effectively. Your gift will be used carefully and wisely so that it has the greatest impact on those who will need our care in the future.