Legacies FAQs

Why do I need a Will?

By making a Will, you can ensure that your possessions are passed on to the people and charities that you have chosen. If you do not have a Will, the state will decide how your property should be distributed.

How do I make a Will?

We suggest that you choose a solicitor or professional advisor to write your Will.

Before consulting a solicitor or professional advisor, consider the value of your possessions and decide what you would like to leave, and to whom. World Cancer Research Fund’s “Personal Will Organiser” can help you do this. To request your free copy just complete the form at the bottom of the main legacy page or call us on 020 7343 4200.

Why should I keep my Will up to date?

Once a Will has been made, it is important to keep it up to date and account for any changes in your circumstances. For example, you may now have had a child or grandchild, you may have moved home, or your financial situation may have changed. It is also advisable to reconsider the contents of your Will every 2-3 years to make sure that it still reflects your wishes.

How do I update or amend my Will?

A codicil is an addition to a Will that states any changes you wish to make, and is easily made by a solicitor or professional advisor. Adding a codicil to your existing Will is a simple and easy way for you to leave a legacy to World Cancer Research Fund. However, if you are making significant changes, it is advisable to make a new Will, which should start with a clause stating that it revokes all previous Wills and codicils.

What types of gifts can I leave?

If you do decide to include World Cancer Research Fund in your Will then there are three main types of gifts you can leave to us:

• Residuary Gift - is the gift of all (or part) of the value of your estate.
• Pecuniary Gift - is the gift of a particular sum of money.
• Specific - is the gift of a specified item that could be for example; property, a painting or a piece of jewellery.

Wording

To assist your solicitor or professional advisor, below is the suggested sample wording if you would like to include a gift in your will to World Cancer Research Fund:

• Pecuniary or Specific Gift: ‘I give absolutely £(Sum of amount)/(description of item of property) to World Cancer Research Fund of 22 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3HH (Registered Charity Number: 1000739) for its general charitable purposes and I direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge of the said legacy.’
  
  
• Residuary Gift: ‘Subject to the payment of my debts, funeral and testamentary expenses, I give the (whole / insert percentage value) of my estate not otherwise disposed of by this my Will to World Cancer Research Fund of 22 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3HH (Registered Charity Number: 1000739) for its general charitable purposes and I direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge of the said legacy.’