Remember a loved one by giving in memory
Giving in memory of someone special is a personal way of remembering a loved one, whilst supporting the causes which were close to their heart during their lifetime. We know these gifts have extra meaning and we are always humbled to receive them. Fundraising in memory could include collecting donations in lieu of flowers at a funeral or celebration of life, donating on a special birthday or anniversary or setting up an ‘In Memory’ page to share memories and collect donations
Legacy giving
Thank you for considering leaving a gift in your Will to The Link Visiting Scheme. Your gift will help us to improve the lives of older people in Wokingham long into the future.
How to write your Will for free
Every single gift is vital to us and we appreciate any gift you may choose to leave us after taking care of family and friends. Whatever the value of your gift, it will go a long way to helping someone who needs us.
Arranging a gift in a Will is straightforward. We’ve partnered with FreeWills.co.uk to provide all our supporters with the opportunity to make their own fully comprehensive Will for free. You can make your personalised Will online in three simple steps, from the comfort of your own home and with live support from their Will specialists. With a current difference in Scottish law, this Free Will service is only available in England and Wales.
How to write your Will using a solicitor
Leaving a legacy is straightforward however we advise that you consult a solicitor who can advise how your Will is worded to ensure that your wishes are carried out exactly as you want them to be. If you wish to use a solicitor to draft your Will, the only information they will need is our charity registration number, which is: 1139248. It really is as simple as that! Here at the Link, we are supported by a number of local solicitors who offer a Will writing service, so please get in touch with us if you require any contact details. Your adviser will then be able to agree on the words and type of gift which suits your circumstances.
Types of gift you can leave us in your Will
A share of your estate
After you have provided for your family and friends, you can leave a share, or the remainder, of your estate to us. This is called a ‘residuary gift’.Cash gift
This is when you leave an exact sum of money to us. It is known as a ‘pecuniary gift’.A special gift
This is a gift of a particular asset or item.
A gift in trust
You can leave a gift for someone to use over a period of time. When the time has ended, the gift can be passed on to other recipients, such as a charity.
How to update an existing Will
If you already have a Will, you can update it by adding a codicil to your Will. It is a good idea to review your Will occasionally and when circumstances change to check it still reflects your wishes.
Letter of Wishes
You can also add a Letter of Wishes, which is a document that accompanies your Will. It is not legally binding but can guide your executors (and appointed trustees if you have them) to ensure your personal wishes are carried out. It gives you great flexibility to meet your current wishes without the need for expensive future changes to your Will.
You must take care that a Letter of Wishes does not contain anything that could conflict with the Will. The Letter can advise on anything, but the most common uses include:
Any charities you would like to benefit (giving the Executors the final choice of fulfilling your wish, or not, depending on whether there are enough assets for other beneficiaries).
The style of funeral you want, whether you want burial or cremation, and any specific instructions regarding the service, where you would like to be buried or have your ashes sprinkled.
Whether you would like flowers or to make donations in memory of a loved one to charity of your choice such as The Link Visiting Scheme.
Guiding your executors or trustees on how you would like any money managed, or trusts created in your Will to be run. This can be important if you have children aged under 18.
Suggesting guardians for your children and how you would like your children to be raised, their upbringing, education, and where they live. These details should be reviewed as the children grow up.
Giving more detailed information to help your executors identify specific items you are giving away in your Will. A Letter of Wishes should be written in plain English, signed and dated, but not witnessed to avoid any claim that it has become a legal Will or codicil. This document is suitable for people who live in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland. The advice above is not legal advice but giving you an overview of some important issues, which might be relevant to you and other family members. Please take legal advice from a solicitor if you consider any of the above would help you and other family members.
Our details
Please include our full name, to make sure your gift goes to the right place. Our postal address is:
Our address: The Link Visiting Scheme, The Charity and Community Hub, Waterford House, Erftstadt Court, Wokingham, RG40 2YF
Our registered details: Charity number in England and Wales: 1139248. Company number in England and Wales: 07349468
If you are interested in leaving a gift in your will and want more information, please feel free to contact Liz, our Senior Fundraising Manager, who would be happy to help: Liz McDaniel, tel: 07778 072843, email: Liz.mcdaniel@linkvisiting.org