The future is a gift
Leave a gift in your will to the Royal Free Charity and become a Royal Free visionary
Will you become a Royal Free visionary?
Leave a gift in your will to the Royal Free Charity
The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust does an incredible job for the people it serves, but there is a limit to what can be offered with the government funding it receives.
We all want a well-funded NHS. But there is a gap between what the Royal Free London is able to provide and what it would like to. That’s where the Royal Free Charity and gifts in wills come in.
These gifts enable us to invest in research that leads to better diagnoses and treatments, which in turn help improve survival rates. They help us to fund innovative centres of medical excellence, such as NIHR Royal Free Clinical Research Facility (CRF) where patients can participate in trials for new, pioneering treatments. They also help fund complimentary therapies that improve recovery rates and enhance patient experiences.
Without gifts in wills none of this is possible.
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Our Royal Free visionaries
Barbara’s story
The Royal Free London treated my brother, Rob, for Anderson-Fabry disease, an incurable genetic condition that affects my family. When Rob passed away I was executor for his will. He left a gift to the Royal Free Charity, and when I made my will I decided I would include a gift too.
When you’re gone, you want to do something that makes a difference, and not just to family and friends but broader society, something that says, “I was here”.
It might sound strange, but having it sorted is a relief for me. I know from dealing with Rob’s will that certainty about what he wanted to do with his money and being able to carry out his wishes was a comfort. When you’re grieving you don’t want to be second guessing which causes a loved one would have supported.
For me writing my will was a conscious act to remove any stress or doubt for those I leave behind. By supporting the Royal Free Charity I’m investing in the future, for the benefit of everyone.
When you’re gone, you want to do something that makes a difference, something that says, “I was here”.
- Barbara, Royal Free visionaryNicola’s story
In December 1998, I was lucky enough to start treatment at the national centre of excellence for scleroderma and connective tissues diseases at the Royal Free Hospital. Over the last two decades, the support I have received from this world-renowned centre has been simply exceptional.
In November 2016, world scleroderma expert Professor Chris Denton told me that my skin was cured from scleroderma. I am sure that this, and my longevity, have been due to my early diagnosis and treatment plan.
Managing my chronic, systemic symptoms remains a daily challenge but my experience shows how important an early diagnosis is in preventing potential life-threatening damage and that a well-resourced and funded expert centre is paramount to best patient care.
I have pledged a gift in my will to the Royal Free Charity, knowing that it will make a real difference in researching better understanding, treatments and a cure for scleroderma. I feel a huge sense of relief and peace of mind from knowing that my wishes will be honoured. Hopefully, one day a #SclerodermaFreeWorld.
I have pledged a gift in my will to the Royal Free Charity, knowing that it will make a real difference in researching better understanding, treatments and a cure for scleroderma.
- Nicola, Royal Free visionary
Free wills services - how we can help, at no cost to you
If you are considering supporting the Royal Free Charity with a gift in your will, thank you. There are a number of ways that we can support you. Our free services allow you to write or update a simple will online, over the phone, face-to-face in your home or in a local solicitor’s office – whichever is most convenient for you.
Home visit by a regulated solicitor
The Goodwill Partnership will arrange a home visit from a trained will writing professional, and for your will to be reviewed by a Law Society regulated solicitor.
Online and by phone
Write a simple will for free online or over the phone from the comfort of your own home with Farewill: Farewill.com/rfc-web.
Law Society solicitor meeting
The National Free Wills Network will provide a list of participating Law Society regulated solicitors within reasonable distance of your home for you to choose from and have your simple will written by for free: Mynetworkportal.org/royalfreecharity .
Questions and answers
What if I already have a will?
It’s important to review your will regularly, to make sure it still reflects your wishes. When you do, it can be a good opportunity to add a gift to the Royal Free Charity.
How much do I have to give?
Whatever you decide to give will make a huge difference. Please do not be put off if you feel you don’t have much to give. Your gift will really help improve patient outcomes.
Are there any tax benefits?
Charitable legacies are exempt from Inheritance Tax. In certain circumstances, if you leave more than 10% of your estate to charity, Inheritance Tax on the entire estate is reduced by 4% which could save your loved ones paying more than they need to.
How do I include a gift to the Royal Free Charity in my will?
It’s easy. Just contact your solicitor, let them know our charity name ‘Royal Free Charity’, our registered address ‘Royal Free Charity, The Pears Building, Pond Street, London NW3 2PP’ and charity number ‘1165672’.
What kind of gift is best? Residuary (%) or pecuniary (£)?
Any gift you give will be gratefully received. However, a percentage of your estate (residuary gift) is preferred as the value of your gift keeps pace with inflation. It also enables you to take advantage of the tax benefits outlined above. If you prefer to nominate a specific sum (pecuniary gift) please remember its value will diminish over time.
