Leave a legacy
When you make a will, you're taking a loving step to protect the people and causes that matter most to you. If, after providing for your loved ones, you'd like to do something that supports older people in your community for years to come, leaving a gift to Age UK Bradford District is a meaningful way to do exactly that.
Every gift - no matter the size - helps us to be there for older people across Bradford District when they need us most
Why Make a Will?
A will is one of the most important things you can do for the people you love. Without one, decisions about your estate are made by law rather than by you - which can cause unnecessary stress and uncertainty for your family at an already difficult time.
Making or updating a will gives you:
- Peace of mind that your wishes will be respected
- Protection for your loved ones, however your circumstances have changed
- The chance to support the people and causes that have meant something to you
It's never too early, or too late, to put a will in place.
How a Gift in Your Will Works
Leaving a gift in your will, sometimes called a legacy, is simpler than many people think. There are a few different ways to do it:
A residuary gift – a share of what remains in your estate after all other wishes have been fulfilled. This is one of the most impactful types of gift, as its value grows with your estate.
A pecuniary gift – a fixed sum of money, for example £500 or £1,000.
A specific gift – a named item or asset, such as shares, property, or jewellery.
What Your Gift Could Mean to Your Community
Age UK Bradford District is an independent local charity. Every penny raised here stays here, supporting older people across our district through:
- Information, advice and guidance
- Befriending and social activities
- Support for families
- Help navigating later life
Your legacy could help us to be there for an older person who has no one else to turn to. It could fund a phone call that breaks someone's isolation, or advice that helps a family through a crisis. Gifts in wills are one of the most powerful ways our supporters shape what we're able to do - not just today, but for the future.
Creating a will
Making a will is the best way to ensure your wishes are carried out after you die - and it's often simpler than people expect. Here's how to get started:
1. Download Age UK's free guide to writing a will A straightforward, step-by-step resource covering everything you need to know, written in plain English to make the whole process as simple as possible.
2. Use our free will planner This form helps you gather your thoughts and information before you meet with a solicitor – working through what you have, who you'd like to provide for, and what matters most to you. Having this ready in advance makes the whole process smoother.
3. Find a qualified solicitor We always recommend having your will drafted by a qualified professional. The Law Society website allows you to search for solicitors in your area, including those who specialise in wills. Solicitors are regulated by law, giving you confidence that your wishes will be recorded correctly and your will is legally valid.
I want to add a gift to my will
If you'd like to leave a gift to Age UK Bradford District, simply let your solicitor know when you're making or updating your will. They'll add it for you - it's usually a small and straightforward addition to the process.
There is no minimum amount. Every gift, whatever its size, makes a genuine difference to older people in Bradford District.
If you already have a will and you want to include a gift to Age UK Bradford District (sometimes called a legacy), there may not be any need to rewrite it.
You can ask a qualified professional such as a solicitor to add an amendment – this is called a codicil. As a general rule, if the change you wish to make is quite small or simple, you can use a codicil, and if the change is more significant or complex you should make a new will.
Is there any suggested wording I should use to add a gift to Age UK Bradford District to my will?
This suggested legal wording will assist your solicitor in drawing up or amending your will to include your gift to help our vital work.
Wording for a residuary gift
I give the residue of my estate to Age UK Bradford District, 75 Wrose Road, Wrose, Shipley, Bradford, BD18 1HX (Registered Charity Number 1025961)* for its general charitable purposes. I further direct that the receipt of the Chief Executive or other proper officer of the said charity for the time being shall be a full and sufficient discharge for the said gift.
Wording for a gift of money or an item
I give the sum of £_____ (or the item specified) to Age UK Bradford District, 75 Wrose Road, Wrose, Shipley, Bradford, BD18 1HX (Registered Charity Number 1025961)* for its general charitable purposes. I further direct that the receipt of the Chief Executive or other proper officer of the said charity for the time being shall be a full and sufficient discharge for the said gift.
Information for executors
If you're the executor of an estate that includes a gift to Age UK Bradford District, we're here to support you.
You can call us on 01274 391190 or email us at info@ageukbd.org.uk. We can advise on payment of the gift and offer guidance with the next steps.
If you would like to make payment by online transfer, our bank details are:
Age UK Bradford & District
Natwest
Sort Code: 56-00-36
Account No: 29480922
We would be grateful if you could also let us know when you have made payment so we may send our receipt.
Contact us to find out more
If you are interested in leaving a gift in your will and want more information, please feel free to contact us and we would be happy to talk to you further.