Other ways to give
There are more ways that you can give to support the work of Meningitis Research Foundation:
Legacies
A Will to Beat Meningitis
Today's promise for a future free from meningitis and septicaemia
Making a will is one of the most important decisions you can make - and it's not as expensive or as complicated as you may think.
Remembering the Foundation in your will can help us continue our life saving work. Whether you are making a will for the first time or reviewing your current one, we have a leaflet to help guide you through the process.
You can download your copy of our legacy leaflet here.
Leave a lasting legacy
Don't let your inheritance go to waste
A supporter of the Foundation died suddenly. He had no partner and had not made a will. The probate office contacted his neighbour to see if the man had any relatives. He had not. However, he did have three great passions: his church, the school where he taught and he had been a long standing member of the Foundation.
His modest house sold for £190,000. There was no tax liability so the monarchy inherited the lot. If only his church, school and the Foundation could have shared the proceeds. It would have been a much better tribute to his life and to the people he had served so well for so long.
The importance of making a will and keeping it up to date is clear otherwise the monarchy or the government get the lot. And gifts to charities are free of inheritance tax - so the Chancellor doesn't get that either.
Most people who make a first will or update an existing one find it useful to consult a solicitor. To ensure that your Will has no errors like those mentioned we strongly recommend that you see a solicitor. It is really worth the time. Your solicitor will be familiar with the terminology and make sure your Will is worded correctly so that no-one - family, friends or a charity you wish to remember - loses out
Leave a lasting legacy
In 2005 the Foundation received a legacy of £145,000 that enabled vital research into meningitis and septicaemia. At the time of writing we have just received a legacy of £500 that could pay for life-saving awareness literature in schools and hospitals.
You can use wording in the box below to explain the gift you wish to leave:
I give to Meningitis Research Foundation (Trustees) A charity registered in England and Wales no 1091105, in Scotland no SC037586, & in Ireland CHY 12030
[Either] the sum of £_________free from all taxes and duties payable on my death
[Or] all [or the share you wish to give, e.g. one third] of the residue of my estate and I direct that the receipt of any Director or the Secretary of that company shall be a full and sufficient discharge of such a gift.
It sounds very legalistic, but lawyers are particular about words. If you are unsure about the different types of legacy check out our jargon buster
If you do plan to leave a donation to the Foundation please let us know - by telephone on 01454 280418, by email at dougj@meningitis.org , or write to The Legacy Officer, Menigitis Research Foundation, Midland Way, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 2BS.
If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact us - we would be delighted to hear from you.