How to leave a gift in your Will

• who will be named as your executors; the people who will make sure your wishes are fulfilled
• calculate the value of your assets; make a note of your possessions from small items such as jewellery to larger assets including property, savings and investments
• choose the family and friends you’d like to remember. After them, consider whether you would like to leave a gift to charity

A valid Will must be:

• in writing
• signed by the testator (the person who has made the Will or given the legacy)
• signed by two witnesses present at the same time (the witnesses cannot be beneficiaries of the Will)

If you are writing a new Will, you should find a solicitor to help you draw this up.

Choosing a solicitor

A solicitor will be able to advise you on leaving charitable gifts when making a Will. Before enlisting a solicitor, check how much they charge and, if possible, get recommendations from those around you. You may be entitled to legal aid if you are 70 or over; disabled; a parent of a disabled person and wish for that person to be provided for in the Will; or a single person that wishes to appoint a guardian in the Will. More information can be found at your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Dementia UK partner with the Free Wills Network to offer our supporters the opportunity to write a Will for free. To request a pack with a list of several participating solicitors in your area, fill in your address by clicking on the button below.

Register for the Free Wills Network

Type of gift

Your gift can be as small or big as you like – all donations will help us support and develop more specialist Admiral Nurses so they can provide life-changing care for families facing dementia. Gifts are generally specified in the following categories:

Residuary gift: a gift of any portion of your estate that remains after payment of debts, administration expenses and distribution of any specific gifts.

Pecuniary gift: a gift of a specific amount of money you desire to donate. Such gifts can be expressed to be ‘index linked’ so the sum gift holds its value in line with inflation.

Specific gift: a gift of a specific item you wish to leave, e.g. jewellery, artwork or furniture.

Many supporters choose to leave a share of their estate (a residuary gift) for the simple reason that it keeps pace with inflation and enables you to ensure that your family and friends are cared for. After you have thought about those closest to you, would you consider leaving just 1% of your estate to Dementia UK?

Wording for a gift

We strongly suggest contacting a professional when drawing up or amending your Will. If you decide to leave a gift to Dementia UK, your solicitor may use some specific wording to ensure your wishes are carried out. The suggested wording below covers the main types of charitable gifts:

‘I give to Dementia UK, 7th floor, One Aldgate, London, EC3N 1RE, Registered Charity Number 1039404, ……………….. % of my estate / the sum of £……………….. / specific item(s) ……………………………….. to be used for its general charitable purposes and I declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or duly authorised Officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge for my Executors.’