Writing your Will

Why making a Will matters more than you might think

Creating a Will is one of the most meaningful and responsible decisions you can make in your lifetime. It’s not just about dividing possessions - it’s about ensuring your wishes are respected, your loved ones are protected, and your legacy lives on in the way you intend.

Whether you want to make sure your assets go to the people you care about most, or you’d like to leave a gift to a cause that’s close to your heart, your Will gives you the power to make those choices clearly and confidently.

Here’s why having a Will is so important:

Ease the burden on your loved ones

Losing someone is hard enough. A well-prepared Will can help reduce stress and confusion for your family and friends by clearly outlining your wishes, making the process of settling your estate smoother and less emotionally taxing.

Protect your assets and your legacy

Your Will can help safeguard your estate from unnecessary costs, such as inheritance tax and residential care fees, ensuring that more of your assets go to the people and causes you care about.

Ensure your wishes are followed

Without a Will, your estate may be distributed according to legal rules that might not reflect your personal preferences. A Will ensures that your belongings, property, and finances are handled exactly as you want them to be.

Support the causes you care about

Many people choose to leave a gift in their Will to a charity or organisation that has made a difference in their lives. These legacy gifts can have a lasting impact and help continue vital work for future generations.

Provide clarity and peace of mind

A Will gives you the reassurance that everything is in place, and your affairs will be managed as you intended. It’s a thoughtful act that can bring peace of mind to you and those you leave behind.

Leaving a gift to the Foundation:

If you would like to leave a gift in your Will to the Medical Research Foundation, please ensure you provide your solicitor with our details:

• Registered name: Medical Research Foundation
• Registered charity number: 1138223

Options for writing your Will

There are a number of ways that you can write a Will. What’s more, it’s a lot more affordable (you can even do it for free) and straightforward than you may think.

Write or update your Will for free with Octopus Legacy

We’ve partnered with Octopus Legacy so you can write or update your Will at no cost to you*. While there is a small cost to the Foundation – you can write or update a simple single or mirror Will for free, or get a Will with trust at a discounted rate. Plus, Octopus Legacy are offering an option of a £10 a year subscription fee to make any future amendments to your Will.

While many supporters choose to include a gift in their will to Medical Research Foundation, there’s no obligation to do so when using this service.

How to write or update your Will:

You can write your Will:

• Online
• Over the phone/video call
• In-person (either at home or in-branch)

Or call Octopus Legacy directly on 020 4525 3605 and quote Medical Research Foundation. Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:30pm.

*Applies to simple Wills only. Discounts are applicable for Wills with trusts.

Remember a Charity

Access information from Remember a Charity where you are able to find out more information about how to write your Will.

Use a local solicitor or Will Writer

You may choose to get your Will written by a local solicitor or other professional Will Writer.

Write it yourself

While it’s possible to write your own Will, you need to be careful that you don’t miss out something vital, as leaving out certain details could make your Will invalid. So, it is strongly recommended to get it checked by a legal professional.

However you choose to support us - we are enormously grateful.