How to leave a gift in your Will

Types of gift

Many of our supporters like to leave a gift in their Will to St Christopher’s.

When someone remembers St Christopher’s in this way, it is wonderful to know that their forward-thinking and kindness will help future generations receive the expert and compassionate care they need.

The three simplest types of gift to leave in a Will are:

A percentage of your estate

This is a residuary gift. Even 1% can be left to St Christopher’s in your Will so those closest to you inherit 99%.

A specific cash sum

This is a pecuniary gift, often referred to as a cash gift.

An item of value

Specific gifts are things you own, such as jewellery, a stamp collection, or property.

Pledging a gift to St Christopher’s

Leaving a gift in your Will is straightforward. Once you are ready to pledge a gift to St Christopher’s, simply contact your solicitor or other Will-writing professional and let them know:

  • Our full name: St Christopher’s Hospice
  • Our address: 51-59 Lawrie Park Road, London SE26 6DZ
  • Our registered charity number: 210667

Once you’ve updated your Will, you will feel reassured to know that you’ve looked after your loved ones, and that you will help us care for people at the end of life for years to come.

Frank in the garden
A photograph of Andy Samuel, his wife Alison and their daughter, Hannah, walking down the aisle on Hannah's wedding day.

Need to update or make your Will?

Our Will-writing partners can help write your Will at no cost to you.

Write your Will for free

Our legacy promise

When you write or update your Will, it is natural for your loved ones to come first. If you choose to leave St Christopher’s a gift in your Will, we will be deeply grateful to you. Thank you for your exceptional kindness.

If you wish to tell us about your gift, we will be delighted to hear from you so that we can thank you personally. If you prefer to keep your decision private, please accept our heartfelt thanks for your very special gift.

At all times we promise to:

  • Respect your privacy.
  • Answer your questions honestly.
  • Keep in touch with you according to your preferences.
  • Never pressure you to share details of a gift you may have chosen to leave us in your Will.

We will honour your gift when in time we receive it. We promise to:

  • Be supportive and sensitive to your executor(s) and your family.
  • Respect the wishes you have expressed in your Will.
  • Use your gift promptly to provide expert and compassionate care.
  • Let your loved ones know, should they so wish, how your gift has created moments that matter for people at the end of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Will is a legal document that sets out what you’d like to happen after you die. It lets you choose who receives your money, property and personal items, and who’ll carry out your wishes. It can also include guardianship for children and funeral preferences, helping make sure your voice is heard.

A Will matters at any age, especially if you’ve got children, a home, or specific wishes you’d like respected.

You don’t need to wait until you’re older. And your Will isn’t just useful for when you’re unwell. It’s about being prepared. If something unexpected happens, it means your wishes are known and the people around you are protected.

People often write a Will during a big life change such as buying a home, getting married, having children or starting a business. But we recommend you start thinking about your Will today: even without major life changes, having a Will means you’re prepared.

It’s understandable to want to wait; you might feel too young to write a Will or even feel uncomfortable about the thought of dying. But why put it off? It’s about protecting the people and things that matter most to you and giving yourself peace of mind.

Yes. A Will isn’t just about money. It’s about making sure your personal items; your guardianship choices; and your other wishes are followed as you would like them to be.

the support of a solicitor or professional Will-writer, who will advise you and ensure that your Will is legally valid and tailored to your individual needs.

And if you’re thinking of including a gift to St Christopher’s, that’s straightforward too. Here is the information you will need to pass to your solicitor or professional Will-writer:

  • Our registered address is 51-59 Lawrie Park Road, Sydenham, London SE26 6DZ.
  • Our full name is St Christopher’s Hospice.
  • Our registered charity number is 210667.

Writing or updating your Will is a chance to reflect on what matters most to you, and to support a cause that’s been important in your life.

It’s simple to get started, and there is plenty of support available to help you make your Will with confidence.

We recommend you speak to your solicitor or professional Will writer, or one of our partners who offer a free Will service at no cost to you. You’ll find them here: Write your Will for free – St Christopher’s Hospice

They will give you advice, for example on the types of gifts you might wish to leave, or on Inheritance Tax planning. And they will ensure your Will is legally valid.

You may have seen Home Will kits, and these can work for simple situations, but they’re not always reliable. If a Will isn’t written or signed properly, it might not be valid. This could cause confusion later. If you’re considering a kit, it’s worth getting advice first to make sure your wishes are clear and legally protected.

You might also be interested in:

A young girl and her dad in a restaurant, he has his arm around her and they are smiling at the camera. She has a piece of bread in her hand, a striped top and a hair band with felt flowers on.

Why leave us a gift in your Will

With your support, we can continue to offer end of life care to those who need it most

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Write your Will for free

If you need to write your Will, we have options to help you do this at no cost to you

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Ways to donate

Thank you for showing your support for St Christopher's