Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation and the RNLI are among the top charities people in the UK are leaving ‘legacy income’ to in their wills, according to the organisation Remember A Charity, with a total, £3 billion donated to charity via gifts in wills in 2018.
Animal charities are also well represented, with the RSPCA and PDSA receiving sizeable donations.
On average, legacy income accounts for a third of a charity’s voluntary income, funding six in 10 lifeboat launches and two in three guide dogs.
A total of 10,428 charities were named in wills in 2018 – the highest on record.
Rob Cope, director of Remember A Charity, said: “Over the last 10 years we’ve seen an incredible number of people choosing to leave a portion of their estate to their favourite charity in their will, which is wonderful to see.
“That said, we are a very charitable nation so it’s surprising that just six in 100 people leave a gift in their will, and it would be amazing if we could see this number continue to rise.
“Any gift – no matter how big or small – makes an enormous difference in helping charities to continue their incredible work, and what a wonderful way to ensure your legacy can live on after you’ve gone.”
