October is Gifts in Wills month: What will your legacy be?

Between 60 and 70 per cent of people in the UK don’t have a Will. Whatever the reason, whether an assumption that those left behind know how we would have wished our affairs to be dealt with or the belief that there’s plenty of time to sort things out later, the fact is that if you die without making a Will (intestacy), rules of intestacy are used to decide who gets your assets. These rules don’t recognise boyfriends, girlfriends, fiancés or cohabiting partners, and can often deliver unsatisfactory results.

Every year, tens of millions of pounds go to the Treasury from people who die intestate. Another consequence is that the rules do not include leaving anything to your close friends, let alone your favourite charities.

Although 74 per cent of the population regularly support a charity, only 7 per cent include a gift to a charity in their Will. October marks Gifts in Wills month, and to help people get to grips with this sensitive issue, WESC Foundation is hosting a series of events at its Heavitree, Honiton and Exmouth shops. Over three days, 22, 23 and 24 October, Andrew Armstrong, WESC Foundation’s Legacy Fundraiser, will be on hand to offer advice to people considering taking out or renewing their Will, including how you can leave a legacy to your favourite charity. Andrew will also be handing out vouchers for a free 15-minute advice session with a solicitor from Gilbert Stephens LLP, which can be booked at a time and date to suit you.

Andrew Armstrong said: “In these difficult times, charities need your help more than ever. The WESC Foundation was established 175 years ago in Exeter and provides specialist education, care and therapy for children and young people with sight loss and complex needs from across the UK. We provide independent living skills, mobility training, an outreach service (to over 300 children, young people and adults in the South West) and a social enterprise, all of which encourages each young person to be as independent and confident as possible, whatever their ability.

“Legacies from supporters have helped the WESC Foundation provide so much for the children and young people in our care, including the building of our second ‘transition’ house, ensuring that our students are afforded the best chance at independence. Whether you are able to leave £100 or £100,000, your legacy can help transform lives and will be a lasting testament to your generosity.”

To find out how your Will can change lives, drop in to the free sessions in The WESC Foundation shops in Heavitree (22 October), Honiton (23 October) and Exmouth (24 October). Alternatively, contact Andrew Armstrong, on 01392 454336, email aarmstrong@wescfoundation.ac.uk or visit www.wescfoundation.ac.uk