Giving something back with a gift in my Will

I have been volunteering with Marie Curie for 13 years and supporting them for over 20 years. I started supporting the charity after my Mum, Elsie Sands, was nursed by Marie Curie nurse Patricia Wallace. She helped us both through some very difficult and emotional times during the final months of her life, and for this I will always be grateful. Mum's wonderful care Mum died without a will and as I am an only child, we had to wait six months to prove probate. It was then that I realised just how important it was to have a will in place, as I have no immediate family. Despite supporting the charity for so long, I had never considered leaving a gift in my will before, until I witnessed the wonderful care given to my mum by Patricia. Leaving a gift to Marie Curie meant giving something back to them and playing a part in supporting their future care, as well as thanking Patricia for looking after mum. Making my wishes clear I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the process of leaving a gift was extremely easy. I spoke to a local solicitor who dealt with the process very efficiently and professionally. He explained the process to me and answered the list of questions I had prepared. As I have no immediate family, I wanted to make sure that my wishes were clearly stated and that my executors would have no difficulties after I died. Helping future generations I know my gift will help the fantastic nursing team to continue providing care for a terminally ill patient, who is facing the end of their life. I’ve experienced first-hand the impact of this care and I’m proud that the money I leave will enable future generations to benefit. It’s so easy to overlook, but I would urge everyone to write a will and to keep it updated. And if you are considering leaving a gift to charity, remember that by doing so you will be contributing to their life-changing work. Is there a cause you'd like to support with a gift in your Will? Karen Green, Marie Curie supporter