Cancer Research UK is the world’s largest independent cancer research organisation, and is lauded for the work it does to understand cancer, develop treatments and find ways to prevent the disease. Because it relies on donations, the charity runs a programme called the Free Will Service, through which anyone over the age of 18 can write or update their own will for free, and take the opportunity to leave a gift to Cancer Research UK from their estate.
The programme relies on the support of volunteer solicitors from around the UK to produce thorough and legally valid wills, and the team at Percy Hughes & Roberts Solicitors has taken part for the last ten years. During that time, we have helped more than 150 people make a last will and testament through the scheme, resulting in gifts worth a total of more than £1.1 million being pledged to Cancer Research UK.
On the tenth anniversary of our participation in the scheme, PHR’s Mark Cotson (Head of Wills, Trusts and Probate) and Holly Lewtas (Wills, Trusts and Probate Paralegal) were visited by Helen Soutar, Cancer Research UK’s Legacy Partnership Manager, who presented them with a Certificate of Thanks on behalf of the charity in recognition of their achievements over the last decade.
What has Cancer Research done with these donations?
Donations to Cancer Research fund a variety of research and development projects that aim to detect, treat and prevent many different types of cancer. Current projects include the work of Professor Peter Sasieni, director of the charity’s Cancer Prevention Trials Unit in London, who is developing new approaches to cervical cancer screening.
A recent study funded by Cancer Research showed that 51.4% of people who are eligible for cervical screening would prefer to take samples themselves if this was an option, as opposed to having a clinician take the sample. Professor Sasieni is involved in evaluating new screening methods, including self-sampling, that could ensure more people who are eligible for screening take part. In turn, this would broaden screening coverage and improve the rate at which cervical cancer is detected and treated. This work is only possible with the gifts left by generous people in their wills.
Can I get a free will?
Get in touch with our team to enquire about making your will, or about leaving a gift to Cancer Research UK or another charity in your will. This can have significant tax benefits in some cases, and it is often worthwhile to consider.
It is important to note that the Free Will Service only covers relatively simple wills. If you have a complex estate or detailed plans for how your estate should be managed after you die, it may not be possible to write your will entirely for free. This does not mean that we cannot accept instructions from Cancer Research for these estates - only that you may need to pay additional fees for the more complicated elements of the will. Whatever the nature of your estate, working with experienced professionals is important to ensure the document is valid and legally binding.
The experts at Percy Hughes & Roberts Solicitors have a wealth of experience in handling even the most complex wills and estates. We can help you to make sure that your entire estate is accounted for and that you understand any tax implications that may arise if you decide to leave a gift to a charity.
To learn more about making a will or start the process, call our team today on 0151 666 9090 or use our online enquiry form to get in touch.
Our charity work
The solicitors at PHR are committed to corporate social responsibility, which includes conducting business practices in a sustainable way, and working with charities to give back to our local community. As well as Cancer Research UK, we have an ongoing partnership with Charlotte's Brightside, a Wirral-based charity that aims to support the wellbeing of young people. Our team has organised fundraising events, made donations and volunteered at events hosted by the charity in order to support its important mission. Find out more about our charity partnership or make a donation today.
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