Leaving a gift in your will is a one of the most meaningful ways to support Ashgate. It helps ensure that the care and support we provide today will be there for future generations who need it.  

This is why we’re proud to be part of Hospice UK’s national legacy campaign, “For All, For Now, Forever,” which highlights the importance of gifts in wills. 

In this Q&A, I share my thoughts on why these gifts matter, the impact they have, and the incredible generosity of those who choose to leave a lasting legacy with Ashgate. 

Why are gifts in wills so important to Ashgate?  

We know that leaving a gift in your will is a big decision – family and those closest to you will always come first. But for those who choose to leave something to Ashgate, these gifts provide long-term stability, ensuring we can continue caring for patients and those important them for years to come. It’s a way for people to support and protect the future of our care.  

Right now, gifts in wills make up 25% of our total fundraising income – that means one in six of our patients are cared for thanks to gifts left in wills. That’s an extraordinary impact. Without this support, we’d face a significant financial gap that wouldn’t be easily filled in other ways. These gifts allow us to keep providing care when it matters most. 

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

When someone chooses to leave a gift to Ashgate in their will, it’s an incredible act of kindness and trust. It means they believe in the care we provide and want to ensure that others receive the same compassion and dignity at the end of life. These gifts help us continue supporting patients and the people important to them, now and in the future. Every legacy, no matter the size, is a lasting tribute to the values and generosity of the person who leaves it. It’s truly humbling to know that someone has chosen to make Ashgate part of their legacy. 

Every time I read through the will of someone who has chosen to leave a gift to Ashgate, I feel humbled and deeply grateful. It’s a sign that they truly value our care and want to help protect it for the future.  

Have you ever been particularly moved by a story of someone who left a legacy gift?  

One that always stays with me is a gentleman who left his entire estate to Ashgate. When we looked to thank his next of kin, we discovered he didn’t have any family. Instead, we spoke with his neighbour who told us why he had made that decision.  

He’d lived near to the hospice all his life but had never needed our care. He had, however, popped into one of our charity shops and once dropped by the hospice to ask more about the work we do. From those small interactions, he was so moved by the kindness and dedication of our staff and volunteers that he chose to leave us everything he had. 

It makes me incredibly proud to work at Ashgate. This gentleman saw the value of what we do – not just in our hospice, but in our shops and across our community. His generosity is a reminder of the impact we have, often in ways we don’t even realise. 

Why do you think people choose to leave a gift to Ashgate?  

Many people choose to leave a gift to Ashgate because they’ve seen first-hand – or heard from others – the difference our care makes. Whether we’ve supported them, someone close to them, or someone in their community, they recognise the compassion, dignity, and comfort we provide at the most difficult times. For others, it’s about ensuring that future patients and the people important to them receive the same support. It’s a deeply personal decision, and every gift – big or small – makes a lasting difference. 

Many people assume you have to be wealthy to leave a gift in your will – what would you say to them?  

Not at all. Any gift, of any size, left in a will is hugely valuable to Ashgate. In fact, for some people, leaving a gift in a will can sometimes be a more affordable way to support the charity, as we understand that not everyone can afford to give regularly or make a donation during their lifetime. Gifts don’t always need to be monetary either. People may choose to leave furniture, vehicles or other items that the charity can use or sell in its shops. Leaving a gift in your will is a way to support Ashgate without affecting your current financial situation. It allows you to make a meaningful difference in the future, after you’ve taken care of the people closest to you. Even a small percentage of your estate can have a lasting impact, ensuring that others continue to receive compassionate end of life care for years to come. 

What are your hopes for Ashgate’s future, and how do legacy gifts help make that vision possible? 

Whilst we reach as many people as possible with the funds we receive, we know that not everyone who could benefit from specialist end of life care receives it. My hope is that we succeed with our ambition to reach more people. Everyone deserves access to the care and support they need. Legacy gifts will be crucial in supporting this ambition now, and into the future.