The power of legacies: making a lasting difference for the future

16 February 2026

Why are gifts in wills so important to the hospice?

We know that leaving a gift in your will is a big and very personal decision and your family and loved ones will always come first. But if you do choose to remember Katharine House, your gift helps us make sure that compassionate care is there for anyone who needs it, now and in the future.

As a charity we always depend on the generosity of our supporters, including the gifts people choose to leave in their wills. In fact, one in ten people we care for is supported because someone before them decided to leave a legacy gift. Without this support, we simply couldn’t reach as many people. Legacy gifts help us continue to be there when it matters most.

As with all hospices, Katharine House is feeling immense pressure from ever growing costs, increasing demand for our services and a challenging fundraising environment. It’s important to us that we continue to explain to our local community why gifts in wills mean so much to us and will always be vital for the sustainability of our hospice.

What does it mean to you when someone chooses to leave a gift to Katharine House in their will?  

When someone chooses to leave a gift in their will to us, it’s an incredibly generous act of kindness and trust. Knowing that someone has chosen to remember the hospice is something I never take lightly. It tells us they believed in what we do, and that they want other people to be cared for with compassion and dignity at the end of life.  

Every gift says something about the values of the person who leaves it, and it allows these values to live on after their death.  

Why do you think people choose to leave a gift to the hospice?

Leaving a gift to a charity in your will is a great way to support a good cause that’s important to you.

Many people decide to leave a gift because they’ve seen first-hand the difference our care can make. Maybe we’ve cared for them, a family member or a friend in their community. They’ve felt the compassion, the dignity and the comfort we give when life feels its hardest and want to support future generations in a way that resonates with their life’s passions and commitments. It’s such a personal choice and every gift, no matter the size, leaves a mark that lasts far beyond a single moment. It’s a way to keep caring for your loved ones and your community, even when you’re not here.

Many people assume you must be wealthy to leave a gift in your will. What would you say to them?   

Leaving a gift to a charity in your will is not just for the wealthy. You can choose the size of the gift, ensuring it aligns with your financial situation and your family’s needs. Every gift, small and large, is gratefully received. 

If your estate could be liable for Inheritance Tax when you pass away, a charitable legacy could be a useful way to reduce the potential bill. This means you can both support a cause you care about and possibly reduce the tax burden on your loved ones.